What does rejoinder mean?
Rejoinder is a formal or literary noun for a reply, especially one delivered quickly and pointedly. It often suggests a response that is clever, sharp, or mildly defensive, such as an answer that turns a remark back on its speaker, although it can also be used neutrally for any response. The word is most often encountered in writing—literary criticism, journalism, speeches, and conversation described in formal terms—rather than in casual speech. Its slightly old-fashioned tone makes it useful when precision and emphasis matter: one might call a witty answer a rejoinder, but would not usually use it to label an everyday reply. The term’s history also gives it a memorable flavor. It comes through English from a French word meaning “to reply,” whose underlying literal idea is “to join again,” linking response with the notion of answering one thought with another. Thus rejoinder carries more character than a neutral reply: it names an answer that arrives with style, force, or edge.
nounA reply or response, especially a quick, sharp, or witty one.
- A reply or response, especially one that is quick, pointed, witty, or mildly defensive.
"Her quick rejoinder silenced the room."
"Her quick rejoinder silenced the room."
"The minister's rejoinder was widely praised for its wit."
The regular plural is used when referring to several replies or responses.
"The exchange was marked by several sharp rejoinders from both sides."
A rejoinder began as a reply but acquired the literary flavor of a comeback sharp enough to sting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rejoinder come from?
The word comes through English from Anglo-French rejoindre, meaning “to reply,” ultimately based on Old French joindre and Latin jungere, “to join,” with re- indicating a return or joining again. It entered English in the early 17th century for a reply or response and developed a literary association with quick, pointed, or witty answers. Related English words include joinder, rejoin, join, and conjoin.
Related word forms
How rejoinder is actually used
Formal or literary, especially common in journalism, literature, criticism, and formal dialogue. It often carries the connotation of a clever, sharp, or challenging response rather than a neutral answer.
Easily confused with rejoinder
A rejoinder answers what someone has said, whereas a reminder brings a fact, task, or obligation back to someone's attention.