retrieval
noun
re·triev·al
ri-ˈtrē-vəl 
1
: an act or process of retrieving
2
: possibility of being retrieved or of recovering
beyond retrieval
Examples of retrieval in a Sentence
the retrieval of stolen goods
The system allows quick storage and retrieval of data.
Recent Examples on the Web
This retrieval system supports reasoning and task execution.
—
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
According to All Three Zones tracking data, Power leads the team in defensive zone retrievals leading to exits per 60 minutes of ice time.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Based on real-time data, the AS/RS uses an algorithm to analyze production demand, inventory data and transport routes to determine the most efficient retrieval paths.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Israel had conditioned the opening of the Rafah crossing and advancement to the second phase of the Gaza peace plan upon retrieval and return of all of the living and deceased hostages.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrieval
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
According to All Three Zones tracking data, Power leads the team in defensive zone retrievals leading to exits per 60 minutes of ice time.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Based on real-time data, the AS/RS uses an algorithm to analyze production demand, inventory data and transport routes to determine the most efficient retrieval paths.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Israel had conditioned the opening of the Rafah crossing and advancement to the second phase of the Gaza peace plan upon retrieval and return of all of the living and deceased hostages.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retrieval
Cite this Entry
“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrieval. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retrieval
noun
re·triev·al
ri-ˈtrē-vəl
: an act or process of retrieving
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
