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

• recapture
• recoupment
• recovery
• repossession
• 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

Dean Henderson and Maxence Lacroix both make it on account of being reclamation projects. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025

The company, incorporated in New York, is a refrigerant services company that provides solutions for the refrigeration industry, including the sale, recovery, reclamation, and reuse of refrigerant gases. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2025

Estrada did not join San Diego as a true reclamation project. —Dennis Lin, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

This reclamation of Brigid reflects something more substantial than symbolic parity. —Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 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)