retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl How to pronounce retrieval (audio)
Synonyms of retrievalnext
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
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.
With the retrieval of Leopold’s typewriter from a harbor in Jackson Park, the chain of evidence that connected the two young men to the crime was complete. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 Automating the routine layer of any job — the retrieval, the scheduling, the mechanical assembly — leaves behind work that requires judgment, creativity and autonomy. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 2026 The 6-foot-4 right-shot defenceman steps into the spot left vacant by Salomonsson’s injury and surprises us with great mobility, efficient puck retrievals, and crisp breakout passes. Murat Ates, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Every coding agent your engineers deploy, every retrieval system connected to internal data and every autonomous workflow stood up to reduce headcount is also a new attack surface. Tj Marlin, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrieval

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrieval was circa 1643

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrieval. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

retrieval

noun
re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl How to pronounce retrieval (audio)
: an act or process of retrieving

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