: 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.
Rights groups have condemned the deportations, saying returnees – particularly the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group that accounts for most of Malaysia’s refugees – will face violence, persecution, and forced conscription. — Lindsey McGinnis, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026 Kaufman-Renn joins a KU big man group that includes returnee Paul Mbiya, transfers Christian Reeves and Keanu Dawes, and freshman Davion Adkins. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026 Some of those Syrians are now returnees and are being picked up by government administration and companies to support the reconstruction. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Buses believed to be carrying Myanmar returnees arrived at a stadium in Manjung town in Malaysia’s central Perak state early Tuesday, amid tight security. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

returnee

noun
: one who returns
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