To repave means to put down a new layer of pavement on a road, driveway, parking lot, or other paved surface. When workers repave a street, they cover the old, cracked asphalt with fresh, smooth pavement, making it safer and easier to drive on.

Roads need repaving after years of wear from traffic, weather, and freezing temperatures that create potholes and cracks. You've probably seen construction crews heating up asphalt until it's steaming hot, then spreading and flattening it with heavy rollers. The fresh black surface looks smooth and feels completely different to drive on compared to the bumpy, worn-out road it replaces.

Cities and towns regularly repave their streets to keep them in good condition, though drivers often complain about construction delays. A homeowner might repave their driveway when it becomes too damaged to fix with simple patches.