Definition of: reply

(ri·plī′) v. ·plied, ·ply·ing v.i.
1. To give an answer, orally or in writing.
2. To respond by some act, gesture, etc.: He replied with a blow.
3. To echo.
4. Law To file a pleading in answer to the statement of the defense.
—v.t.
5. To say in answer: often with a clause as object: She replied that she would do it.
—noun plural ·plies Something said, written, or done by way of answer; a response; rejoinder. See synonyms under ANSWER. [<OF replier bend back <L replicare fold back, answer to, make a reply <re- back + plicare fold]
—re·pli′er noun