reclamation
Americannoun
-
the reclaiming of desert, marshy, or submerged areas or other wasteland for cultivation or other use.
-
the act or process of reclaiming.
-
the state of being reclaimed.
-
the process or industry of deriving usable materials from waste, by-products, etc.
noun
-
the conversion of desert, marsh, or other waste land into land suitable for cultivation
-
the recovery of useful substances from waste products
-
the act of reclaiming or state of being reclaimed
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reclamation
1525–35, in sense “a protest”; < Middle French < Latin reclāmātiōn- (stem of reclāmātiō ) crying out against, equivalent to reclāmāt ( us ) (past participle of reclāmāre; see reclaim) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Reclamation is the act of returning something to a former, better state. Land reclamation might involve razing a strip mall and planting crops. Reclamation is the noun form of the verb to reclaim. Most people involved in reclamation want to reclaim something out of a sense of moral or environmental duty. Since re- means "again," it makes sense that a reclamation involves restoring something to its former glory, especially something that has gone to the dogs. Anything that's fallen on hard times is a good candidate for reclamation.
Vocabulary lists containing reclamation
East Asia - Middle School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
East Asia - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Natural Resources and the Environment - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Riddle asked the Bureau of Reclamation to revise the plan so the water that’s released from the dam stays cold enough for salmon.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
Richard Shaffer, asset manager at Scrubgrass Reclamation Company, emailed asking for an exemption covering a western Pennsylvania power plant that burns coal waste.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
The mayor will speak about the plan on Thursday at Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Van Nuys, where construction is underway on a new water recycling project.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026
The Bureau of Reclamation said its decision now replaces that previous plan.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025
Roland Kyburz, the Bureau of Reclamation head, cleared his throat prior to changing the subject.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
