retrieves; retrieved; retrieving
1
a
: to get and bring (something) back from a place
Many archaeological relics were retrieved from the site.
Police retrieved his stolen car.
b
: to find and get (information) from a computer or disk
You can quickly retrieve data/information.
The files were retrieved from the computer.
He was able to retrieve the document.
2
: to find and bring birds or animals that have been shot back to a hunter
The dog is learning how to retrieve.
The dog has been trained to retrieve birds.
3
formal
: to keep (something) from failing or becoming worse
They were able to retrieve [=save] the situation.
Can their relationship be retrieved? [=salvaged]
Cite this Entry
“Retrieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/retrieve. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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