returnable

Everyday

1. Able to be given or sent back, often for money back: «returnable bottles». tree →
2. (formal) Must be given back by a certain time: «The form is returnable by Friday.» tree →

In the lessons

In recycling, returnable bottles and cans earn a deposit (in Canada, Australia, Ireland). In shops, goods may be returnable with a receipt. School letters: «Permission slips returnable by Friday.» Phrases: «a returnable deposit», «non-returnable».

Examples

• These bottles are returnable for ten cents each. tree →
• The deposit is returnable if you bring the key back. tree →
• Sale items are not returnable. tree →
• The form is returnable to the office by Friday. tree →
• Keep your receipt so the shoes are returnable. tree →
• We took the returnable cans back to the shop. tree →

Note

From «return» + «-able». Opposite: «non-returnable». In maths money problems: a returnable deposit of £10 is given back, so it does not count in the final cost.