English

Noun

rejoinder ‎(plural rejoinders)

1. (law) defendant's answer to the replication.
2. A quick response that involves disagreement or is witty; especially an answer to a question.
   • 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, chapter 38

     "I'm starting to-morrow. This is perhaps the last time we shall ever meet."

     I made an appropriate rejoinder, and he smiled wanly.

3. (patents) in US patent law re-insertion, typically after allowance of a patent application, of patent claims that had been withdrawn from examination under a restriction requirement.

Usage notes

Formally, a reply to a reply, but in non-legal sense also used for simple replies.

Synonyms

• (quick response): comeback, retort

Translations

Verb

rejoinder ‎(third-person singular simple present rejoinders, present participle rejoindering, simple past and past participle rejoindered)

1. (intransitive) To issue a rejoinder.
2. (transitive) To say as a rejoinder.