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 In addition to his allegations about a UFO retrieval program, Grusch has claimed that Mussolini and the Vatican once worked together to recover an alien ship and that UFOs may be evidence of interdimensional beings or time travelers. Lucas Ropek / Gizmodo, Quartz, 9 Mar. 2024 This is particularly beneficial in real-time applications and services that demand quick data processing and retrieval. Steve Rodda, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Retrieving a Half-Submerged Deer The retrieval was going to be a mess. Nick Fasciano, Outdoor Life, 8 Feb. 2024 Egg retrieval can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2024 The couple medically cleared a surrogate and Kristen Anaya recently underwent an egg retrieval. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2023 Factual retrieval Prompt: Who invented video games? Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 8 Dec. 2023 In the cell laboratory, culture dishes are prepared at the Fertility Center Berlin to collect the eggs after egg retrieval. Lauren Dunn, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2024 The second step of the process is egg retrieval – which happens when the patient is under anesthesia. Maria Godoy, NPR, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retrieval.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near retrieval

Cite this Entry

“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrieval. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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