comeback

[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.
Origin
1815-25; noun use of verb phrase come back
Examples from the web for comeback
  • And they're all wondering what they're going to do to make a comeback.
  • Handwritten notes are making a comeback, but not strictly as a means of communication.
  • Since that time, the birds have made a remarkable comeback.
  • While part of the sea is making a comeback, photos show how bad the damage once was.
  • Everyone loves a good comeback story, but sometimes a storyline emerges prematurely.
  • The author's fowl defy the blogosphere and stage a comeback.
  • Both candidates could lose next year and have time left for a comeback.
  • People are out of work and they're hurting-wondering what they going to do to make a comeback.
  • When electronic technology turned the world into a global village, tribal odors would make a comeback, too.
  • Indeed, the original supermodels seem to be making something of a comeback.
British Dictionary definitions for comeback

comeback

/ˈkʌmˌbæk/
noun (informal)
1.
a return to a former position, status, etc
2.
a return or response, esp recriminatory
3.
a quick reply; retort
verb (intransitive, adverb)
4.
to return
5.
to become fashionable again
6.
to reply after a period of consideration: I'll come back to you on that next week
7.
(US & Canadian) to argue back; retort
8.
come back to someone, (of something forgotten) to return to someone's memory
Word Origin and History for comeback
n.

"verbal retort," 1889, from come + back (adj.). Meaning "recovery, return to former position or condition after retirement or loss" is attested from 1908, American English.

Slang definitions & phrases for comeback

comeback

noun
  1. A quick and witty retort; a withering riposte: Dorothy Parker was famous for devastating comebacks (1889+)
  2. A regaining of success, fame, health, etc: He's trying another comeback at 38 (1908+)
  3. A customer who returns merchandise; also, the returning itself (1950s+ Salespersons)
  4. A response to a call: Thanks for your comeback, Dead Duck (1970s+ Citizens band)