Definition of answer
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: something spoken or written in reply to a question
His answer surprised us.
b
: a correct response
knows the answer
3
: something done in response or reaction
His only answer was to walk out.
4
: a solution of a problem
More money is not the answer.
5
: one that imitates, matches, or corresponds to another
The show is television's answer to the newsmagazines.
answer
verbDefinition of answer (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to speak or write in reply
think carefully before answering
2a
: to be or make oneself responsible or accountable
answer for a debt
3
: to be in conformity or correspondence
She answered to the description.
4
: to act in response to an action performed elsewhere or by another
The home team scored first but the visitors answered quickly.
5
: to be adequate : serve
an old bucket answered for a sink The school had to answer for a town hall.
1a
: to speak or write in reply to
answer a question answer me
b
: to say or write by way of reply
answer yes or no
2
: to reply to in rebuttal, justification, or explanation
answer an accusation
3a
: to correspond to
answers the description
b
: to be adequate or usable for : fulfill
answer a need
4
: to act in response to
answered the call to arms
6
obsolete
: to atone for
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for answer
The first known use of answer was before the 12th century
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