response

noun

Sayri-SPONS/ɹɪˈspɑns/UK/ɹɪˈspɒns/

Pluralresponses

4 meanings of response

1
replynouncountable or uncountable
Something you say or do to answer or react to something.
Like when you call out and a friend calls back.
Her response to the question was short but clear.
We wrote three times and never got a response.
UsageSay a response to something, or in response to it.
2
automatic reactionnouncountable
A reaction of your body or mind to something that happens to you.
Like jumping when something suddenly surprises you.
Her quick response to the loud noise was to cover her ears.
The body's response to cold is to shiver.
UsageSay the body's response to cold or pain.
Similarreaction, reflex
3
churchnouncountable
In church, words that people say or sing back to the priest, or after a reading.
Like one person calling a line and the whole group answering back together.
The congregation gave the response after the priest spoke.
Children learned each response before their first service.
Note

Less common meaning

4
noun
One click that takes a person from an online ad to its website.

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin respōnsum, from respondeō, made from re- meaning "again" and spondeō meaning "promise." It reached English through Old French.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 6 facts

Response ultimately comes from Latin respōnsum. en.wiktionary.org
Latin respōnsum derives from respondeō. en.wiktionary.org
Respondeō is formed from re- and spondeō. en.wiktionary.org
Latin re- means “again.” en.wiktionary.org
Latin spondeō means “promise.” en.wiktionary.org
Response reached English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org