reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or process of reclaiming: such as

a

: reformation, rehabilitation

b

: restoration to use : recovery

Synonyms of reclamation

• recovery
• recapture
• retrieval

Examples of reclamation in a Sentence

pumped water out of the field as part of the land reclamation program designed to provide farmers with more farmland

Recent Examples on the Web

Signing Nichushkin to a one-year contract in August 2019 proved to be one of the better reclamation projects in recent NHL history. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 June 2026

Finding a few younger reclamation projects who hit, the way the Pittsburgh Penguins did last year with players like Ryan Shea, will be important. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Others saw reclamation projects turn into success stories. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

But there are also quiet signs of reclamation, starting with the once-thriving communities of Goldsboro near Sanford, Jones Town in Orlando (one of the earliest all-Black neighborhoods in Florida) and Parramore. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French réclamation, from Latin reclamation-, reclamatio, from reclamare

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reclamation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌrek-lə-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or process of reclaiming : the state of being reclaimed

Legal Definition

reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of reclaiming

the reclamation of goods delivered to an insolvent buyer

2

: a right to reclaim (as under commercial law)