Definition of reclaim
transitive verb
1a : to recall from wrong or improper conduct : reformb : tame, subdue
2a : to rescue from an undesirable state; also : to restore to a previous natural state reclaim mining sitesb : to make available for human use by changing natural conditions reclaim swampland
3 : to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover reclaimed plastic
4a : to demand or obtain the return ofb : to regain possession of
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Examples of reclaim in a Sentence
Sons and daughters are proudly reclaiming the traditions that their parents had forgotten.
She reclaimed the title of world champion this year.
You might be able to reclaim some of the money you contributed.
Environmental groups have been reclaiming contaminated sites.
Acres of land were reclaimed by conservationists.
The factory reclaims fibers from textile wastes.
Recent Examples of reclaim from the Web
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Young hard rock musicians paid loving homage to the music of their elders while aging artists attempted to reclaim their former glories.
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The movie is likely to benefit from growing anticipation for Wonder Woman to reclaim her pop culture throne after past false starts.
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Far from reclaiming other countries’ respect, Trump’s decision threatens to make the United States an international pariah.
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Frank still needs to whip up some votes in the House to reclaim his presidency, and focuses his efforts on Congressman Rasmussen.
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China has reclaimed thousands of acres of land to build artificial outposts on reefs, adding airstrips, lighthouses and port facilities to better project influence over the waterway.
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Also, no release fees will be charged for owners reclaiming lost pets until July 2, although the offer does not apply to animals under investigation or ones that have been confiscated or quarantined.
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The party needs to pick up 24 seats to reclaim a House majority next November.
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Avery used reclaimed wood on the exterior of a new home in Atlanta’s Lake Claire neighborhood, and installed a wood inset in the kitchen ceiling.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reclaim'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of reclaim
Middle English reclamen, from Anglo-French reclamer, from Latin reclamare to cry out, protest, from re- + clamare to cry out — more at claim
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of reclaim
RECLAIM Defined for English Language Learners
reclaim
playDefinition of reclaim for English Language Learners
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: to get back (something that was lost or taken away)
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: to make (land) available for use by changing its condition
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: to get (a usable material) from materials that have been used before
RECLAIM Defined for Kids
reclaim
playDefinition of reclaim for Students
reclaimed
;reclaiming
1 : to get back (something that was lost or taken away) The skater reclaimed her championship.
2 : to restore to an original state reclaim a swamp
3 : to obtain from a waste product or by-product The bottles are made from reclaimed plastic.
Law Dictionary
reclaim
playLegal Definition of reclaim
1 : to make fit or available for human use reclaiming land that had been strip-mined
2a : to demand the return of by right b : to regain possession of
Learn More about reclaim
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See words that rhyme with reclaim Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reclaim Spanish Central: Translation of reclaim Nglish: Translation of reclaim for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of reclaim for Arabic speakers
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