retrieval

noun

re·​triev·​al ri-ˈtrē-vəl How to pronounce retrieval (audio)
1
: an act or process of retrieving
2
: possibility of being retrieved or of recovering
beyond retrieval

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.
The clip shows progress from earlier public appearances,but offers little evidence of robust autonomy or dexterous manipulation; the video ends before any object retrieval. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025 Integrating real-time data retrieval to ground agentic decisions in up-to-date evidence. Rajeev Ronanki, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Artemis cargo landers will deliver equipment to sites along the moon’s polar highlands, while crew members will complete daily sample retrieval runs. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025 My egg retrieval surgery is probably in two days. R29 Team, Refinery29, 25 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrieval. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

retrieval

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

More from Merriam-Webster on retrieval

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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