comeback

American  

[kuhm-bak] / ˈkʌmˌbæk /

noun

1. a return to a former higher rank, popularity, position, prosperity, etc..

   The ex-champion kept trying to make a comeback.

2. a clever or effective retort; rejoinder; riposte.

   That was a great comeback the comedian made to the hecklers.

3. Informal. a basis or cause of complaint.

   If you insist on buying these pointed shoes, you'll have no comeback when your toes start to hurt.

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comeback British  

/ ˈkʌmˌbæk /

noun

1. a return to a former position, status, etc

2. a return or response, esp recriminatory

3. a quick reply; retort

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verb

1. to return

2. to become fashionable again

3. to reply after a period of consideration

   I'll come back to you on that next week

4. to argue back; retort

5. (of something forgotten) to return to someone's memory

Etymology

Origin of comeback

First recorded in 1815–25; noun use of verb phrase come back

Example Sentences

A pine marten has been caught on camera in Cornwall in what conservationists hope could be the start of a comeback in the county.

From BBC

Board and card games will make a big comeback in response to technology’s centrality in our lives.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ward, who is retired and lives in Memphis, said she still receives 40% of the royalties from “Ring My Bell,” so she stands to gain from its comeback as well.

From The Wall Street Journal

Looking back, Mr. Purvis realizes that the old guard made a comeback right under his nose.

From The Wall Street Journal

This comeback is revealing how strongly they influence carbon movement, especially in headwater streams, which are the small upper sections where rivers begin.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• improvement
• rebound
• resurgence
• return
• revival
• victory
• winning