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.
Dozens of vehicles required manual retrieval after requests for assistance from remote operators overwhelmed Waymo’s response system. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026 Fertility centers experienced in oncology cases can move quickly, often getting patients through an egg-retrieval cycle and back to their oncology team before their full staging workup is even complete and their treatment plan in place. — Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026 Hold your prompts, tool definitions, retrieval rules, and settings as provider-neutral configuration, with verification tests that prove behavior still works after a swap. — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026 After being diagnosed with a diminished ovarian reserve, Jung went through 15 egg retrievals and 5 embryo transfers before eventually giving birth at 43. — Jessica Poitevien, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 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 Nov. 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
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