returnee

noun

re·​turn·​ee ri-ˌtər-ˈnē How to pronounce returnee (audio)
: one who returns
especially : one returning to the U.S. after military service overseas

Examples of returnee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other top returnees are senior outfielder Keaton Kroll, junior Jack McDougall (OF) and junior shortstop Chase Beaudreau. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026 Sole season 47 returnee Genevieve Mushaluk was eliminated from the pink group in a unanimous 4-0 vote. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 Senior pitcher/first baseman Kaden Maxwell (Illinois), senior outfielder Luke Goben (Indiana-Southeast), senior second baseman Jet Dutton (Northwestern Ohio) and junior third baseman Chase Nelson are among the top returnees for the Northwest Crossroads Conference champion. Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 Schmitz spoke highly of Willis during an offseason appearance on the Highway 49 Podcast, highlighting the returning linebacker as a player to watch, as well as a litany of returnees on Nate Faanes’ defense. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for returnee

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of returnee was in 1944

Cite this Entry

“Returnee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/returnee. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

returnee

noun
re·​turn·​ee ri-ˌtər-ˈnē How to pronounce returnee (audio)
: one who returns
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster