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Definition of retrieval

retrieval

/ɹɪˈtɹiːvəl/
re · triev · al
Plural:retrievals
•
Adjective:retrievable
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retrieval Lexical Profile

retrieval Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of getting something back from somewhere, or returning something to a former and better state.

Example

"The deep-sea expedition focused on the safe retrieval of artifacts from the sunken vessel."

2

The process of locating and extracting stored data from a computer system or recalling information from human memory.

Example

"Practicing with flashcards strengthens memory retrieval far more effectively than passive rereading."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for retrieval

• Nearby Words

retribution
retrievability
retrievable
retrieval
retrieve
retriever
retro

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 17th century from the verb 'retrieve' plus the noun-forming suffix '-al'. 'Retrieve' derives from Old French 'retreuver' (to find again), originally used in hunting to describe hounds finding lost game.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Retrieval. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/retrieval
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