retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl 

1

: an act or process of retrieving

2

: possibility of being retrieved or of recovering

beyond retrieval

Synonyms of retrieval

• reclamation
• recovery
• recapture

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

Context windows, retrieval systems and long-term memory architectures allow AI to access information beyond what fits in a single input. — Ashutosh Saxena, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Desperate to find Fluffy, Melissa sought the assistance of a pet retrieval specialist to search the neighborhood and nearby areas. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Seltz’s advisers and angel investors include executives from Google, Ramp, Cohere, Synthesia, and Databricks, along with academics from information-retrieval labs at NYU and the University of Glasgow. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 24 June 2026

The platform isn't designed to fly human passengers; it's geared toward the support of research or other payloads that require retrieval after a stint in space, such as pharmaceuticals and other products of orbital manufacturing. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing retrieval

• beyond retrieval
• information retrieval

Rhymes for retrieval

• coeval
• medieval
• primaeval
• primeval
• upheaval
• evil
• weevil
• mediaeval

Kids Definition

retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl 

: an act or process of retrieving