What is the meaning of reply?

noun

• A statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation.
  • usage: "I waited several days for his answer"; "he wrote replies to several of his critics"
  • synonyms: answer, response
• The speech act of continuing a conversational exchange.
  • usage: "he growled his reply"
  • synonyms: response

verb

• React verbally.
  • usage: "She didn't want to answer"; "answer the question"; "We answered that we would accept the invitation"
  • synonyms: answer, respond