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

There's no retrieval system for reusing institutional knowledge rather than re-deriving it. — Imran Aftab, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

There, in the first of two trips, Emilie underwent ovulation stimulation and egg retrieval. — Lj Dawson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Call logs from before, during and after the retrieval show more than 200 calls between South Korean officials and representatives of Coupang, the committee reported. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Subsequent research actually backed him up, finding that habitual calculator use before students had internalized basic arithmetic weakened their mental fluency and fact retrieval. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

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
• primaeval
• primeval
• upheaval
• evil
• weevil
• mediaeval

Kids Definition

retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl 

: an act or process of retrieving