A return appearance is when a person or thing returns to something after having been absent from it for some time. It can refer to someone who comes back to a place, event or situation that they have previously visited or participated in before. For example, an actor may make a return appearance on stage or screen after being away for a while. Similarly, a sports team might make a return appearance at the championship game after having missed it the previous year. In essence, a return appearance is when someone or something returns to something they are familiar with and have been absent from for some time.