English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

retrieval

rih-TREE-vuhl

Retrieval (noun) means the act of getting something back, or the process of accessing stored data or memories. Example: “Data retrieval from the old server took several hours.”

noun
1
The act of getting something back, or the process of accessing stored data or memories.
"Data retrieval from the old server took several hours."
"Memory retrieval gets harder for some people as they age."

How to use retrieval

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGetting something back — whether it's a lost object, a computer file, or a memory.

Common pairings
data retrieval memory retrieval information retrieval

Word forms

retrievals plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “retrieval” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Data _____ from the old server took several hours.

Related words

Rhymes for retrieval

See all rhymes for retrieval →

Frequently asked questions

What does “retrieval” mean?

The word “retrieval” means the act of getting something back, or the process of accessing stored data or memories. In plain terms, getting something back — whether it's a lost object, a computer file, or a memory.

How do you pronounce “retrieval”?

“Retrieval” is pronounced rih-TREE-vuhl (/ɹɪˈtɹiːvəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “retrieval” in a sentence?

Here is “retrieval” used in a sentence: “Data retrieval from the old server took several hours.”

What part of speech is “retrieval”?

“Retrieval” is a noun.

Is “retrieval” a common word?

“Retrieval” is an uncommon word in modern English.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial