First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
rejoinder
noun re·join·der \ri-ˈjȯin-dər\
: a usually rude or angry reply to something written or said
Full Definition of REJOINDER
1
: the defendant's answer to the plaintiff's replication
2
: reply; specifically : an answer to a reply
See rejoinder defined for English-language learners
See rejoinder defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of REJOINDER
Middle English rejoiner, from Anglo-French rejoinder, from rejoinder, verb
Related to REJOINDER
Synonym Discussion of REJOINDER
answer, response, reply, rejoinder, retort mean something spoken, written, or done in return. answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need <had answers to all their questions>. response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus <a response to the call for recruits>. reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised <a point-by-point reply to the accusation>. rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection <a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument>. retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack <she made a cutting retort to her critics>.
REJOINDER Defined for Kids
rejoinder
noun re·join·der \ri-ˈjȯin-dər\
Definition of REJOINDER for Kids
: 2reply
Learn More About REJOINDER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: rejoindurePrevious Word in the Dictionary: rejoinAll Words Near: rejoinder
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up rejoinder? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).