reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or process of reclaiming: such as

a

: reformation, rehabilitation

b

: restoration to use : recovery

Synonyms

• recapture
• recoupment
• recovery
• repossession
• retrieval

Examples of reclamation in a Sentence

pumped water out of the field as part of the land reclamation program designed to provide farmers with more farmland

Recent Examples on the Web

Symbols of Identity, Then and Now With this new Anglo-Saxon order, Puerto Ricans were determined to affirm a distinct national identity, like through the reclamation of the jibaro, a term for someone from the campo (countryside) who practices traditional farming, as a true Boricuasymbol. —Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 26 Nov. 2024

With Beyoncé and Pharrell leading the charge, Americana fashion has also played an important role in liberals’ reclamation of patriotism from the far right. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024

The American Indian Movement, which flourished around the same time, fought publicly and militantly for unfulfilled treaty rights and the reclamation of tribal lands. —Tim Madigan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

But the concept of a tabula rasa is only the fantasy of reclamation, for even this beach is not exempt from imperial history. —Zining Mok, Longreads, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French réclamation, from Latin reclamation-, reclamatio, from reclamare

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌrek-lə-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or process of reclaiming : the state of being reclaimed

Legal Definition

reclamation

noun

rec·​la·​ma·​tion ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of reclaiming

the reclamation of goods delivered to an insolvent buyer

2

: a right to reclaim (as under commercial law)