In a library, returns are the items brought back after being borrowed. The returns trolley, put it in returns, sort the returns.
In shops, returns are goods brought back for refund or exchange, and the returns rate is a serious cost in online retail. In finance, returns are the profit made on an investment: annual returns, diminishing returns. Note the law of diminishing returns, meaning that after a point each extra unit of effort produces less; and many happy returns, which is a birthday greeting meaning may the day come round often.
1nounreturnsItems brought back after being borrowed or bought.
“The shop has a desk for returns, where you can bring back faulty goods.”
2nounprofitThe profit made on an investment.
“Investors are hoping for good returns on their money.”
Too few real examples of this word to estimate which sense is commonest.
returns is things brought back, or profit.