retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl How to pronounce retrieval (audio)
1
: an act or process of retrieving
2
: possibility of being retrieved or of recovering
beyond retrieval

Examples of retrieval in a Sentence

the retrieval of stolen goods The system allows quick storage and retrieval of data.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coding is the biggest use case, followed by content generation and knowledge retrieval. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 The dedicated effort resulted in the successful retrieval of 11 dogs and two cats. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 His work in his own end, even though the results haven’t quite followed, shows the tools of an elite defensive defenseman, with positioning, retrievals and exits being particular strong points. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 Much of this is due to rocket retrieval and reusability development, which has led to a significant drop in the cost of sending payloads to space. Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retrieval

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrieval was circa 1643

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrieval. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

retrieval

noun
re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl How to pronounce retrieval (audio)
: an act or process of retrieving

More from Merriam-Webster on retrieval

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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