returning

1. To come or go back (to a place or person).

   Although the birds fly north for the summer, they return here in winter.

2. To go back in thought, narration, or argument.

   To return to my story [...]

3. To turn back, retreat.
4. To turn (something) round.
5. To place or put back something where it had been.

   Please return your hands to your lap.

6. To give something back to its original holder or owner.

   You should return the library book within one month.

7. To take back something to a vendor for a refund.

   If the goods don't work, you can return them.

8. To give in requital or recompense; to requite.
9. To bat the ball back over the net in response to a serve.

   The player couldn't return the serve because it was so fast.

10. To play a card as a result of another player's lead.

    If one players plays a trump, the others must return a trump.

11. To throw a ball back to the wicket-keeper (or a fielder at that position) from somewhere in the field.
12. To say in reply; to respond.

    to return an answer;  to return thanks;  "Do it yourself!" she returned.

13. To relinquish control to the calling procedure.
14. To pass (data) back to the calling procedure.

    This function returns the number of files in the directory.

15. To retort; to throw back.

    to return the lie

16. To report, or bring back and make known.

    to return the result of an election

17. (by extension) To elect according to the official report of the election officers.

noun

The act of one who returns; a coming back.