reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or process of reclaiming: such as

a

: reformation, rehabilitation

b

: restoration to use : recovery

Synonyms

• recovery
• recapture
• retrieval

Examples of reclamation in a Sentence

pumped water out of the field as part of the land reclamation program designed to provide farmers with more farmland

Recent Examples on the Web

This was a fascinating way to recontextualize many of the lyrics, with her wide-eyed view of the world now sounding like a cool reclamation of youth. —William Earl, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025

Vietnam’s claims have not been as outspoken as China’s and its previous reclamation efforts less ambitious. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, Vietnam has since 2023 accelerated its own land reclamation in the Spratlys—now totaling over two-thirds the acreage of China's. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025

His mission extends beyond documentation to reclamation. —Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French réclamation, from Latin reclamation-, reclamatio, from reclamare

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reclamation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌrek-lə-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or process of reclaiming : the state of being reclaimed

Legal Definition

reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of reclaiming

the reclamation of goods delivered to an insolvent buyer

2

: a right to reclaim (as under commercial law)