English · Word Candidate

retrieve

/ɹɪˈtɹiːv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: retrieves · retrieving · retrieved

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To regain or get back something.

Verb

Examples

to retrieve one's character or independence; to retrieve a thrown ball

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To rescue (a creature).

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A retrieval.

Noun

Examples

Secondly, the number of retrieves given in any one session is restricted according to the dog's level of interest. If he is not madly keen he has perhaps two or three retrieves in a session, and on some days he will have none at all.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

The return of a difficult ball.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “retrieve” mean?

To regain or get back something.

Is “retrieve” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.