return: meaning and definitions

To go or come back, as to an earlier condition or place.

To revert in speech, thought, or practice.

To revert to a former owner.

To answer or respond.

To send, put, or carry back: We return bottles to the store.

To give or send back in reciprocation: She returned his praise. See Synonyms at reciprocate.

To give back to the owner: He returned her book.

To reflect or send back: The echo was returned by the canyon wall.

To produce or yield (profit or interest) as a payment for labor, investment, or expenditure.

Law To submit (an official report, for example) to a judge or other person in authority.

Law To render or deliver (a writ or verdict, for example) to the proper officer or court of law.

To elect or reelect, as to a legislative body.

Games To respond to (a partner's lead) by leading the same suit in cards.

Architecture To turn away from or place at an angle to the previous line of direction.

Sports To send back (a tennis ball, for example) to one's opponent.

Football To run with (the ball) after a kickoff, punt, interception, or fumble.

The act or condition of going, coming, bringing, or sending back.

The act of bringing or sending something back to a previous place, condition, or owner.

Something brought or sent back.

Merchandise returned, as to a retailer by a consumer or to a wholesaler by a retailer.

Something that goes or comes back.

A recurrence, as of a periodic occasion or event: the return of spring.

Something exchanged for that received; repayment.

A reply; a response.

The profit made on an exchange of goods.