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REFERENCE

retrieve

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈtɹiv// UK //ɹɪtɹˈiːv// re·trieve
  1. 1 to get something back (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to find and bring something back from where it was left or lost.

    to recover or regain possession of something; transitive use requiring a direct object.

    Example

    The police managed to retrieve the stolen paintings from a warehouse.

    Example

    Archaeologists worked carefully to retrieve the fragile pottery fragments from the muddy riverbed before the tide came in.
  2. 2 to get information (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    to find and get information that is stored on a computer.

    to access and extract data from a storage system or database.

    Example

    The software allows you to retrieve deleted files within thirty days.

    Example

    The system is designed to retrieve complex data sets in milliseconds, ensuring that the user interface remains responsive during peak traffic.
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  1. 3 to fetch game (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    when a dog finds and brings back a bird or animal that has been shot.

    to find and bring back killed or wounded game; often used intransitively when describing a dog's trained ability.

    Example

    The golden retriever jumped into the lake to retrieve the duck.

    Example

    A well-trained gun dog must learn to retrieve on command without damaging the bird with its teeth.
  2. 4 to return a ball (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    to reach and hit a difficult ball back to your opponent.

    to make a successful return of a ball that appeared difficult or impossible to reach.

    Example

    She managed to retrieve the smash and eventually won the point.

    Example

    The defender's ability to retrieve low volleys from the baseline kept him in the match against a much more aggressive opponent.
  3. 5 the act of getting something back (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of finding and bringing something back.

    the process or act of recovery; often used in technical or sporting contexts.

    Example

    The retrieve of the sunken vessel took several months of planning.

    Example

    The dog's quick retrieve of the fallen pheasant impressed the judges during the final round of the competition.
Origin

Recorded in Middle English c. 1410 as retreve (altered to retrive in the 16th century; modern form is from c. 1650), from Middle French retruev-, stem of Old French retrover (“to find again”, modern retrouver), itself from re- (“again”) + trover (“to find”), probably from Vulgar Latin *tropāre (“to compose”).

Word family

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