returning

Verb

return (third-person singular simple present returns, present participle returning, simple past and past participle returned)

1. (intransitive) To come or go back (to a place or person).
   • Although the birds fly north for the summer, they return here in winter.
2. (intransitive) To go back in thought, narration, or argument.
   • To return to my story[…]
3. (intransitive) To recur; to come again.
   • Winter returns every year.
4. (intransitive, obsolete) To turn back, retreat.
   • ‘I suppose here is none woll be glad to returne – and as for me,’ seyde Sir Cador, ‘I had lever dye this day that onys to turne my bak.’1470–1485 (date produced), Thomas Malory, “(please specify the chapter)”, in [Le Morte Darthur], book V, [London: […] by William Caxton], published 31 July 1485, →OCLC; republished as H[einrich]...
5. (obsolete, transitive) To turn (something) round.
   • Whan Kyng Marke harde hym sey that worde, he returned his horse and abode by hym.1470–1485 (date produced), Thomas Malory, “Capitulum xiij”, in [Le Morte Darthur], book X, [London: […] by William Caxton], published 31 July 1485, →OCLC; republished as H[einrich] Oskar Sommer...
6. (transitive) To place or put back something where it had been.
   • Please return your hands to your lap.

See all 36 meanings of return