recover

re·cov·er | \ ri-ˈkə-vər

How to pronounce recover (audio)

\

recovered; recovering\ ri-ˈkə-və-riŋ

How to pronounce recovering (audio)

, -ˈkəv-riŋ \

Definition of recover

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to get back : regain

2a : to bring back to normal position or condition stumbled, then recovered himself

b archaic : rescue

3a : 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

6a : 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

re-cover

re-cov·er | \ (ˌ)rē-ˈkə-vər

How to pronounce re-cover (audio)

\

re-covered; re-covering; re-covers

Definition of re-cover (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to cover again or anew

Other Words from recover Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about recover

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Examples of recover in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The handgun thought to have been used has not been recovered and may have been discarded while the suspect fled, the city said. — Phil Helsel, NBC News, "Texas student who fatally shot classmate did not intend to kill him, DA says," 16 Jan. 2020 The gang tossed Fune-Diaz’s body in a river, where she was not recovered until more than a month after her death. — Madison Dibble, Washington Examiner, "MS-13 gang member sentenced to 50 years for brutal murder of 14-year-old girl," 14 Jan. 2020 Marine Rescue of New South Wales tweeted before Davis’ body was recovered. — Jason Duaine Hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Tourist, 21, Dies While Taking Selfie Atop Cliff in Australia: She 'Saw the Best in People'," 14 Jan. 2020 Two other people are missing and presumed dead, though their bodies may never be recovered. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "New Zealand volcano eruption: Death toll rises one month after disaster on White Island," 14 Jan. 2020 The Iranian report said both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder were recovered but were damaged. — Author: Isabelle Khurshudyan, Anchorage Daily News, "Ukraine investigators consider possibility a missile brought down jet over Tehran," 9 Jan. 2020 After an urgent search with rescue dogs and probes, five people were recovered with minor injuries, officials said. — CBS News, "Two killed, five rescued after avalanche at Idaho ski resort," 8 Jan. 2020 The family would not say who shot the dog and no gun was recovered, according to police. — Chelsea Curtis, azcentral, "Pit bull mauls 2-year-old girl in Phoenix, gets shot and killed," 8 Jan. 2020 On a third-and-2 play, Bester appeared to pick up a yard, though the ball came loose and was recovered by Louisiana. — Tommy Hicks, Cincinnati.com, "LendingTree Bowl: Miami RedHawks fall short against Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns," 7 Jan. 2020

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.

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Learn More about recover

Dictionary Entries near recover

recover damages

Statistics for recover

Last Updated

19 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Recover.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recoverable?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=r&file=recove04. Accessed 22 January 2020.

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More Definitions for recover

recover

verb

English Language Learners Definition of recover

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to become healthy after an illness or injury : to return to normal health

: to return to a normal state after a period of difficulty

: to get (something, such as an ability or feeling) again

re-cover

verb

English Language Learners Definition of re-cover (Entry 2 of 2)

: to cover (something) again : to put a new cover on (something)

See the full definition for re-cover in the English Language Learners Dictionary

recover

re·cov·er | \ ri-ˈkə-vər

\

recovered; recovering

Kids Definition of recover

1 : to get back : regain I recovered my lost wallet. Mary began to recover her breath and feel safer …— Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

2 : to regain or return to a normal or usual state (as of health or composure Have you recovered from the flu?

3 : to make up for We can't recover lost time.

recover

intransitive verb

re·cov·er | \ ri-ˈkəv-ər

\

recovered; recovering\ -(ə-)riŋ

\

Medical Definition of recover

: to regain a normal position or condition (as of health) recovering from the effects of a cold

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recover

transitive verb

re·cov·er | \ ri-ˈkə-vər

\

Legal Definition of recover

1 : to get back or get back an equivalent for recover costs through higher prices

2a : 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

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WORD OF THE DAY

nurture

to help to grow, develop, or succeed

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