information retrieval

American  

noun

1. the systematic storage and recovery of data, as from a file, card catalog, or the memory bank of a computer. IR

---

information retrieval British  

noun

1. computing the process of recovering specific information from stored data

---

Etymology

Origin of information retrieval

First recorded in 1945–50

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

information retrieval

“Delay in information retrieval, such as the name of an acquaintance, a movie, or a famous person, becomes more common as one gets older and does not necessarily signal an underlying memory problem.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

Blandin’s read is that “there’s some aspect of a task that requires some information retrieval — and AI is really good at info retrieval.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026

It could also potentially work for information retrieval — where facts can be validated to ensure they are correct.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 20, 2023

A key issue is that those who co-operate with a new information retrieval body can be granted immunity from prosecution.

From BBC ● Jun. 13, 2023

Implementation of the Z39.50 protocol for information retrieval would make such access practical and feasible.

From Library of Congress Workshop on Etexts by Library of Congress

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---