return
1re·turn
verb \ri-ˈtərn\Definition of RETURN
intransitive verb
1
a : to go back or come back again <return home> b : to go back in thought, practice, or condition : revert
2
: to pass back to an earlier possessor
transitive verb
1
a : to give (as an official account) to a superior b British : to elect (a candidate) as attested by official report or returns c : to bring back (as a writ or verdict) to an office or tribunal
2
a : to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place b : to restore to a former or to a normal state
4
: to bring in (as profit) : yield
5
6
: to cause (as a wall) to continue in a different direction (as at a right angle)
7
: to lead (a specified suit or specified card of a suit) in response to a partner's earlier lead
8
a : to hit back (a ball or shuttlecock) b : to run with (a football) after a change of possession (as by a punt or a fumble)
— re·turn·er noun
Examples of RETURN
- We waited for you to return.
- She is returning home tomorrow.
- I'm leaving but will return at 2 p.m.
- I have to return a book to the library.
- I'm returning your ladder. Thanks for letting me borrow it.
- The dishes were broken when they were delivered, so I had to return them.
- I had to return the shirt and get a bigger size.
- His jealousy returned when he saw his ex-wife with her new husband.
Origin of RETURN
Middle English, from Anglo-French returner, from re- + turner, tourner to turn — more at turn
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to RETURN
Rhymes with RETURN
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