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

Synonyms of retrieval

• reclamation
• recovery
• recapture

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

Not as a symbolic gesture, but as a legally binding framework that governs everything from tank retrievals to groundwater treatment. —New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2025

And because of that, companies are struggling to shift from agents being used for knowledge retrieval to being action oriented. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025

Then came her egg retrieval, a process that requires medications designed to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025

This timeline tracks for me; my turning point incident occurred just six days after my egg retrieval, before my body fully recovered. —Anonymous, SELF, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing retrieval

• beyond retrieval
• information retrieval

Rhymes for retrieval

• coeval
• medieval
• primeval
• upheaval
• evil
• weevil

Kids Definition

retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl 

: an act or process of retrieving