repartee

[ rep-er-tee, -tey, -ahr- ]

noun

1. a quick, witty reply.
2. conversation full of such replies.

   Synonyms: fencing, banter

3. skill in making such replies.

repartee

/ ˌrɛpɑːˈtiː /

noun

1. a sharp, witty, or aphoristic remark made as a reply
2. terse rapid conversation consisting of such remarks
3. skill in making sharp witty replies or conversation

Word History and Origins

Origin of repartee¹

1635–45; < French repartie retort, noun use of feminine past participle of repartir, Middle French, equivalent to re- re- + partir to part

Word History and Origins

Origin of repartee¹

C17: from French repartie , from repartir to retort, from re- + partir to go away

Example Sentences

The power of human connection, from the camaraderie among amateur home bakers to the euphoria of sports fans supporting their team, is not just part of Schur and Danson’s repartee.

From Los Angeles Times

Stay with us throughout the day as we bring you the issues, the pitches and the repartee from across the UK, as well as the guests on the Laura Kuenssberg programme on BBC One.

From BBC

The power couple’s flirty repartee — not to mention a style of cocktail glasses named after them — is as essential to the movie as the clues.

From New York Times

“This” is a repartee with a young female fan, who initially interjected to reveal that the two share the comedian’s home state of Ohio in common.

From Los Angeles Times

“They came because of her scintillating personality, wonderful laughter, repartee, great cooking and particularly her coconut cream cake,” Robert said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• banter
• pleasantry
• rejoinder
• retort
• sarcasm
• wordplay