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.
Survivor brought back a record 24 returnees for season 50, and has dogged a bunch with no screentime. Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026 Here is my Monday piece on the Dolphins’ revamped 17-player defensive back room and what to know on the new additions and the returnees. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 Senior shortstop Jailen Veliz (Lewis) leads that group of returnees. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 Some of that was a lack of top returnees in a conference ravaged by graduation and the transfer portal. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 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 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

returnee

noun
re·​turn·​ee ri-ˌtər-ˈnē How to pronounce returnee (audio)
: one who returns
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