1 A2 neutral
To telephone someone in return, after they have already called you.
"I missed her call while I was in a meeting, so I rang her back as soon as I was free."
separable
ring back
A2 neutral separable transitive
To return a phone call to someone who called earlier.
In plain English
To phone someone back after they called you first.
What does "ring back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To ask someone to call you again, or to promise to call someone again.
"Can you ring back in about ten minutes? I'm just finishing up a call."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To ring (call) someone back.
Actually means
To phone someone back after they called you first.
Usage tip
Standard British English. The American English equivalent is 'call back'. Very common in everyday conversation. Can be used with or without an object: 'I'll ring back later' or 'I'll ring you back'.
Words that pair with "ring back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
later this afternoon soon tomorrow when free
How to conjugate "ring back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ring back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rings back
he/she/it
Past simple
rang back
yesterday
Past participle
rung back
have + pp
-ing form
ringing back
continuous
Hear "ring back" in the wild
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