retrieve Meaning & Definition
What Does Retrieve Mean?
Retrieve is used as a verb meaning To regain or get back something. It is also used to mean To rescue (a creature). As a noun, it means A retrieval.
Quick Facts About Retrieve
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ɹɪˈtɹiːv/ |
| Synonyms | recall, think and recover |
| Antonyms | block, blank out and draw a blank |
| Plural | retrieves |
| Verb forms | retrieves, retrieving, retrieved |
Retrieve Definition (Verb)
- To regain or get back something.
to retrieve one's character or independence; to retrieve a thrown ball
- To rescue (a creature).
- To salvage something
- To remedy or rectify something.
- To remember or recall something.
- To fetch or carry back something, especially a file or data record.
- To fetch and bring in game.
The cook doesn't care what's shot, only what's actually retrieved.
- To fetch and bring in game systematically.
Dog breeds called 'retrievers' were selected for retrieving.
- To fetch or carry back systematically, notably as a game.
Most dogs love retrieving, regardless of what object is thrown.
- To make a difficult but successful return of the ball.
- To remedy the evil consequence of, to repair (a loss or damage).
Retrieve as a Noun
- A retrieval.
- The return of a difficult ball.
- A seeking again; a discovery.
- The recovery of game once sprung.
Synonyms of Retrieve
Retrieve synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Retrieve
Retrieve in a Sentence
to retrieve one's character or independence; to retrieve a thrown ball
The cook doesn't care what's shot, only what's actually retrieved.
Dog breeds called 'retrievers' were selected for retrieving.
Most dogs love retrieving, regardless of what object is thrown.
Word Forms & Grammar
retrieve (third-person singular simple present retrieves, present participle retrieving, simple past and past participle retrieved)
retrieve (plural retrieves)
Words That Rhyme With Retrieve
Origin of Retrieve
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”).
Common Questions About Retrieve
Is retrieve a verb or a noun?
Retrieve is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for retrieve?
Close synonyms of retrieve are recall, think and recover. See the full list of retrieve synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of retrieve?
The opposite of retrieve can be expressed with words like block, blank out, draw a blank and forget.
What is the plural of retrieve?
The plural of retrieve is retrieves.
What is the past tense of retrieve?
The past tense of retrieve is retrieved. The present participle is retrieving.