returning
Returning (noun) means the act of coming back. Example: “Her returning to work so soon surprised everyone.”
How to Use Returning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of coming back to a place or state.
Word Forms
returnings plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ to work so soon surprised everyone.
Related Words
Rhymes for returning
See all rhymes for returning →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “returning” mean?
The word “returning” means the act of coming back. In plain terms, the act of coming back to a place or state.
How do you pronounce “returning”?
“Returning” is pronounced rih-TUR-nihng (/ɹɪˈtɝnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “returning” in a sentence?
Here is “returning” used in a sentence: “Her returning to work so soon surprised everyone.”
What part of speech is “returning”?
“Returning” is a noun.
Is “returning” a common word?
“Returning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does returning mean as a noun?
As a noun, returning names the act of coming back to a place, state, or condition. It captures the movement of arriving again where you once were — the returning of birds in spring, or the returning of calm after a storm. It focuses on the coming-back itself as an event.
What is the difference between returning and return?
They share a meaning but differ in form. Return is the plain noun or verb for coming back, while returning is the -ing form, often stressing the action as it unfolds. 'His return' names the event; 'his returning home each night' emphasises the ongoing act. In practice the two overlap closely.