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

Synonyms of retrieval

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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.
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 The practice of medicine is not solely recall, guidelines retrieval and pattern recognition. — Lisa Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 30 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 Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing retrieval

Rhymes for retrieval

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Browse Nearby Words

retrievable
retrieval
retrieve
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Cite this Entry

“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrieval. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

retrieval

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