recover

verb (1)

re·cov·er | \ ri-ˈkə-vər

recovered; recovering\ ri-ˈkə-və-riŋ

, -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

verb (2)

re-cov·er | \ (ˌ)rē-ˈkə-vər

re-covered; re-covering; re-covers

Definition of re-cover (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to cover again or anew

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Other Words from recover

Verb (1)

recoverability \ ri-ˌkə-və-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē

, -ˌkəv-rə- \ noun

recoverable \ ri-ˈkə-və-rə-bəl

, -ˈkəv-rə- \ adjective

recoverer \ ri-ˈkə-vər-ər

\ noun

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

Although most people recover within a few days, others can develop severe dehydration and life-threatening complications if the infection spreads past the intestines. — Sophia Caraballo, Woman's Day, "Everything You Need to Know About Salmonella," 2 May 2019 As part of the project, Jayne endowed a bursary to allow scholars to research the period’s upholstery techniques and recover the furnishings accordingly. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "Hamish Bowles Remembers Jayne Wrightsman, Esteemed Arts Connoisseur and Legendary Hostess," 24 Apr. 2019 At the heart of the multibuilding complex is a cogeneration plant that recovers wasted heat to make the buildings 70 percent more energy efficient. — Megan Mcintyre, Hana Hong, Marie Claire, "11 New Innovations in Sustainable Beauty from Around the Globe," 18 Apr. 2019 Sophos users must go through a more complicated process, including manually recovering the machine. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Sophos, Avast warn of Windows machines failing to boot after latest Microsoft patch," 15 Apr. 2019 Wells Fargo initially rose after its results beat analysts’ forecasts, but its shares turned lower by midmorning and never recovered. — Alex Veiga, The Seattle Times, "S&P 500 notches 3rd straight weekly gain as US stocks rally," 14 Apr. 2019 There were also false reports that Princess Grace would recover. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "The True Story of Grace Kelly's Death, and Why Rumors Surrounding It Have Been So Persistent," 31 Mar. 2019 In their proposal, paid time off would be guaranteed to prepare for the arrival of a newborn and to care for relatives or recover from one’s own injuries or illness. — Bryce Covert, Glamour, "America Could at Last Pass Paid Leave. But What Good Is a Plan That Excludes Millions of Women?," 2 Apr. 2019 Getty Images Modern Family star Sarah Hyland is home and recovering after a recent trip to the hospital where she was treated for pink eye and an upper respiratory infection. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Wells Adams Cheered Up Sarah Hyland After She Returned from the Hospital This Weekend," 24 Mar. 2019

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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Last Updated

11 May 2019

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

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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

verb

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.