Question

how does precipitation return to the water cycle

Answer 1

Precipitation returns to the water cycle through the form of runoff.

Attached is a diagram found on NASA's website. No copyright infringement intended ;)

hope this helps!

Answer 2

It returns by runoff, which is water flowing downhill. It can also fall into oceans, creeks, or ponds, evaporate, and thus the cycle begins again. Hope this helps!