recover

1 of 2

verb (1)

re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkə-vər How to pronounce recover (audio)
recovered; recovering ri-ˈkə-və-riŋ How to pronounce recover (audio)
-ˈkəv-riŋ

transitive verb

1
: to get back : regain
2
a
: to bring back to normal position or condition
stumbled, then recovered himself
b
archaic : rescue
3
a
: to make up for
recover increased costs through higher prices
b
: to gain by legal process
4
archaic : reach
5
: to find or identify again
recover a comet
6
a
: to obtain from an ore, a waste product, or a by-product
b
: to save from loss and restore to usefulness : reclaim

intransitive verb

1
: to regain a normal position or condition (as of health)
recovering from a cold
2
: to obtain a final legal judgment in one's favor
recoverability noun
recoverable adjective
recoverer noun

re-cover

2 of 2

verb (2)

re-cov·​er (ˌ)rē-ˈkə-vər How to pronounce re-cover (audio)
re-covered; re-covering; re-covers

transitive verb

: to cover again or anew

Example Sentences

Verb (1) She had a heart attack but is recovering well. Share prices will be down until the economy recovers. She recovered consciousness in the hospital. I slipped, but somehow recovered my balance. He suffered a stroke and hasn't yet recovered the use of his left arm. The police recovered his stolen wallet. The program helps users recover computer files that have been deleted. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Naturally, many businesses are delaying their IPOs and waiting for the market to eventually recover. Chon Tang, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 On and off the court, Williams hopes this focus on community will allow Mersin and teams throughout the league to offer relief as the Turkish people continue to recover. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2023 One of those drugs, buprenorphine, is an opioid that can prevent debilitating withdrawal symptoms for people trying to recover from addiction to other opioids. Kaiser Health News, oregonlive, 23 Mar. 2023 Modern sports medicine specialists often use ice baths as one tactic in a holistic plan to help athletes recover from physical injuries, for example. Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 22 Mar. 2023 Still, some freight companies remain optimistic that demand will recover in time for the traditional fall peak shipping season. Paul Berger, WSJ, 22 Mar. 2023 Allison’s comments, which came before Shaw’s testimony, showed there are concerns in East Palestine about its ability to recover from the effects of the derailment. Chris Isidore, CNN, 22 Mar. 2023 The company has been trying to recover and recoup money since then. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2023 One of those drugs, buprenorphine, is an opioid that can prevent debilitating withdrawal symptoms for people trying to recover from addiction to other opioids. Rachana Pradhan, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2023
Verb
For an easy update, re-cover your furniture with a new fabric and trim. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 10 Mar. 2023 Add the spinach, re-cover, and cook until the greens are wilted but still bright green, another 2 minutes. Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recover.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French recoverer, from Latin recuperare, from re- + *caperare, from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recover was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near recover

Cite this Entry

“Recover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recover. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

recover

1 of 2 verb
re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkəv-ər How to pronounce recover (audio)
recovered; recovering -ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce recover (audio)
1
: regain sense 1
recover a lost wallet
recovered my breath
2
: to regain or bring back to normal health, self-confidence, or position
stumbled, then recovered myself
recovered from the flu
3
: to make up for
recover lost time
4
: to obtain something useful by separating it from a source (as ore or waste) : reclaim
recover gold from gravel
recoverable adjective

re-cover

2 of 2 verb
re-cov·​er
(ˈ)rē-ˈkəv-ər
: to cover again

Medical Definition

recover

intransitive verb
re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkəv-ər How to pronounce recover (audio)
recovered; recovering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce recover (audio)
: to regain a normal position or condition (as of health)
recovering from the effects of a cold

Legal Definition

recover

transitive verb
re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkə-vər How to pronounce recover (audio)
1
: to get back or get back an equivalent for
recover costs through higher prices
2
a
: to obtain or get back (as damages, satisfaction for a debt, or property) through a judgment or decree
recover damages in a tort action
b
: to obtain (a judgment) in one's favor

intransitive verb

1
: to get something back
2
: to obtain damages or something else through a judgment
argued that the plaintiff should not be permitted to recover

More from Merriam-Webster on recover

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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