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

Yes, there were bright spots — such as Steven Cruz and Nate Pearson — but the bullpen was a revolving door of reclamation projects and first-year wonders. — Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026

Those albums treated homecoming as a means of rebirth and reclamation; creole culture moves on the same wavelength but is more coy about the references. — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026

The hotel even has a water reclamation system used for recirculation and purification of all ground water on site. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The county has failed to provide evidence that the quarry owner’s reclamation plan wouldn’t substantially interfere with animals’ movement, wrote Kim Freeburn, an environmental program manager with the department. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 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)