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

The professional athlete, in total, has had four D&Cs, a surgical procedure often performed after a miscarriage during which the cervix is dilated so that abnormal tissue can be removed from the uterine lining, per Johns Hopkins Medicine, six failed IVF transfers and eight egg retrievals. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

These unpredictable conditions complicate retrieval. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026

By reducing the number of characters to four; three alphanumeric characters and one geometric symbol; the system embeds a powerful retrieval cue directly into the format itself. —Jay Gardiner, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

Some of the jobs the workers do include visitor checks, trash removal, maintenance, electrical work and package retrieval. —Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 16 Apr. 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
• primeval
• upheaval
• evil
• weevil

Kids Definition

retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl 

: an act or process of retrieving