(sports) A pass back to the initial passer / A ball held by an elastic string so that it returns to the hand from which it is thrown, used as a plaything.

(idiomatic) A condition in which additional inputs into an organization, project or process produce progressively fewer or lower-quality additional outputs, and may, in extreme cases, cause the total quantity or quality of outputs to decrease.

plural of ball return

A local official who oversees the running of an election in a given area. / The officer who makes returns of writs, etc.

plural of returning officer

plural of carriage return

(mechanics) The spring that returns a door handle or knob to its original position when rotated.

(travel, UK) A reduced-price fare and ticket for a journey on public transport out and back in one day.

plural of day return

(UK) Replying in the next available mail delivery.