Definition of retrieval
1 : an act or process of retrieving
2 : possibility of being retrieved or of recovering beyond retrieval
From the M-W Editors
Examples of retrieval in a Sentence
the retrieval of stolen goods
The system allows quick storage and retrieval of data.
Recent Examples of retrieval from the Web
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The digital retrieval tool was taken offline in March after the system was hacked, exposing the personal information of thousands of taxpayers.
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Although America Online’s AIM service allows users to send individual files to one another, Aimster adds search and retrieval functions.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retrieval'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of retrieval
circa 1643
RETRIEVAL Defined for English Language Learners
retrieval
playDefinition of retrieval for English Language Learners
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: the act or process of getting and bringing back something : the act or process of retrieving something
Learn More about retrieval
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See words that rhyme with retrieval Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retrieval Spanish Central: Translation of retrieval Nglish: Translation of retrieval for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of retrieval for Arabic speakers
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