WordGarden.ioreturnable
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪtˈɜːnəbəl/
US
- /riˈtɜrnəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
eligible to be taken back by a seller or supplier, often for refund or exchange
meant or required to be given back after temporary use, borrowing, or delivery
valid for a trip out and back, especially of a ticket
Beyond the definition
Imagine buying a new sweater online. If the website says it's "returnable," that means you can send it back if it doesn't fit, often for a refund or an exchange. But "returnable" is not just about shopping. It also describes things like glass bottles or other containers that can be taken back to a store or supplier to be cleaned and used again. In sports, especially tennis, a serve is "returnable" if the other player can hit it back. In simple terms, the word describes something that can be given back instead of kept for good.
"Returnable" describes something that can be sent back after it has been bought, delivered, used, or received. Most often, we use it in shops and online buying: a "returnable item" is one you can give back to the seller for a refund, a replacement, or an exchange. That is why stores often say things like "items are returnable within 30 days" or, by contrast, "all sales final."
The word is also common for containers. "Returnable bottles," crates, and similar items are meant to go back to the store, supplier, or maker so they can be cleaned, refilled, or used again. Sometimes there is a deposit system, so you get a small amount of money back when you return them. In sports, especially racket sports, "returnable" describes a serve, shot, or ball that is not too strong or difficult to hit back.
The central idea is practical, not abstract: something "returnable" can be physically given back, or in sports, physically played back. So whether it is a sweater that does not fit, a bottle with a deposit, or a tennis serve that is easy enough to answer, "returnable" means there is a real chance to send it back or hit it back.
Examples
- 1
Store policy
This sweater is returnable within 30 days if it doesn't fit.
- 2
Reusable containers
The cafe still uses returnable glass bottles for milk.
- 3
Ticket policy
Tickets bought at the discount price are not returnable or exchangeable.
See also
Similar
- eligible for return
- refundable
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- nonreturnable
- final sale
Used with (collocations)
- returnable item
- returnable packaging
- returnable bottle
- returnable deposit
Word family
Explore
- return policy
- deposit system
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- returnableadjective