Return Definition & Meaning
return
- noun
- document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability; "his gross income was enough that he had to file a tax return"
- a coming to or returning home; "on his return from Australia we gave him a welcoming party"
- the occurrence of a change in direction back in the opposite direction
- getting something back again; "upon the restitution of the book to its rightful owner the child was given a tongue lashing"
- the act of going back to a prior location; "they set out on their return to the base camp"
- the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property; "the average return was about 5%"
- happening again (especially at regular intervals); "the return of spring"
- a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one); "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher"
- the key on electric typewriters or computer keyboards that causes a carriage return and a line feed
- a reciprocal group action; "in return we gave them as good as we got"
- a tennis stroke that sends the ball back to the other player; "he won the point on a cross-court return"
- (American football) the act of running back the ball after a kickoff or punt or interception or fumble
- the act of someone appearing again; "his reappearance as Hamlet has been long awaited"
- verb
- go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before; "return to your native land"; "the professor returned to his teaching position after serving as Dean"
- give back; "render money"
- go back to a previous state; "We reverted to the old rules"
- go back to something earlier; "This harks back to a previous remark of his"
- bring back to the point of departure
- return in kind; "return a compliment"; "return her love"
- make a return; "return a kickback"
- answer back
- be restored; "Her old vigor returned"
- pay back; "Please refund me my money"
- pass down; "render a verdict"; "deliver a judgment"
- elect again
- be inherited by; "The estate fell to my sister"; "The land returned to the family"; "The estate devolved to an heir that everybody had assumed to be dead"
- return to a previous position; in mathematics; "The point returned to the interior of the figure"
- give or supply; "The cow brings in 5 liters of milk"; "This year's crop yielded 1,000 bushels of corn"; "The estate renders some revenue for the family"
- submit (a report, etc.) to someone in authority; "submit a bill to a legislative body"
"Return" in song lyrics
See how return is used in real songs:
-
"And once I'm gone ain't no return"
4 Deep — Ain't No Luv -
"Look what you do me in return..."
504 Boyz — Beefing -
"Come all the way back, return"
Aceyalone — Anywhere You Go
Words that rhyme with return
Usage tips for "return"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "return" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for return to find words that pair well.