1. To have something returned to one's possession: I shouldn't have let the dog run away with the ball; now we'll never get it back. Don't give him that box; I'll never get back the books.

2. To return to some place, condition, or activity, or to someone's possession: How will we get back to the city if the road is closed? Let's get back to the subject that we were discussing earlier.

3. To return someone or something: I'll go with you if you can get me back to the office by 2:00. Please get the kids back by lunchtime.

4. To resume doing something: I'll get back to reading this book when my chores are done.

5. To renew a relationship with someone: The drummer got back with the jazz band after a short career as a violinist. A few days after their argument, Pat got back together with Chris.

6. To retaliate or punish someone in return for some wrongdoing: You may have won this fight, but I'll get you back tomorrow!

7. To respond or react to someone, especially in retaliation for some wrongdoing: She wrote a critical article about him, but he got back at her by ignoring it completely.

8. get back into To resume some regular activity, or renew an interest in something, after not having been involved with it for a period of time: I got back into bicycling after many years of doing nothing in my spare time but swim. They got back into rock music after losing interest in jazz.

9. get back to or get back with To make contact with someone or something at a later time: They said they would get back to me once they had decided whether or not they would buy my car. I have to leave right now, but I'll get back with you with a response after lunch.