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 of reclamation

• 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

Permitting and reclamation obligations can significantly affect both cost and timeline. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

This is all a work in progress, of course, but at least that aspect of the reclamation no longer is a void with the return of Bieniemy for the second time in a few months. — Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Hooping now has become a form of reclamation, an outlet for recovering a childhood joy that sat dormant for years. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Bartels goes a step further, calling Tony a reclamation of Bourdain’s media presence after his 2018 death. — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 2026

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)