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

Prompts, private data, retrieval, fine-tuning, policies and human controls can change their outputs. — Swati Deepak Kumar, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Brown went through several rounds of egg retrievals, each requiring injections, appointments, ultrasounds and blood work. — Olivia Laborde, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026

By filling in those gaps at the time of retrieval with the most likely possibility, your memory system can actually be quicker and be more flexible and work online in a timely manner. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026

The video includes the search of Mangione's bag when he was apprehended at an Altoona McDonald's, the retrieval of the murder weapon and Mangione's transport in a squad car. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 2 Oct. 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