Fetch: meaning, definitions and examples

🐶
Add to dictionary

fetch

 

[fɛtʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

programming

To retrieve data from a server or database using a network request, typically done in web development.

Synonyms

get, obtain, retrieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fetch

Use 'fetch' when you need to bring someone or something back from a nearby place. Commonly used when talking about pets or informal tasks.

  • Please fetch the book from the bookshelf.
  • The dog loves to fetch the ball in the park.
retrieve

Use 'retrieve' when you need to get something back that was lost, forgotten, or stored. It suggests a deliberate action to recover something.

  • She had to retrieve her keys from the locked car.
  • He couldn't retrieve the files after the computer crashed.
get

Use 'get' as a general term to simply acquire or receive something. It's very informal and versatile, suitable for everyday conversation.

  • Can you get me a glass of water?
  • I need to get some groceries.
obtain

Use 'obtain' in a more formal context when you need to acquire something, often through effort or a formal process.

  • You need to obtain a visa to travel to that country.
  • She managed to obtain a rare book for her collection.

Examples of usage

  • The front-end developer will fetch the latest data from the API.
  • The application fetches the user's information upon login.
Context #2 | Noun

dog training

A command used to instruct a dog to retrieve an object or bring something back.

Synonyms

bring back, get, retrieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fetch

Use 'fetch' when someone is going to get something and then return with it, especially in more casual or everyday scenarios.

  • Can you fetch me a glass of water?
  • The dog was trained to fetch the newspaper every morning.
retrieve

Use 'retrieve' in more formal or technical contexts, often when recovering something that has been stored, lost, or hidden.

  • The computer program can retrieve lost files.
  • They had to retrieve the data from the backup server.
bring back

Use 'bring back' when someone is returning with something they have taken or borrowed, or when referring to bringing memories or feelings from the past.

  • Please bring back the books you borrowed from the library.
  • This old song brings back so many memories from my childhood.
get

Use 'get' in a general sense when acquiring or obtaining something. It's a broad term that can be used in many different situations.

  • I need to get some groceries from the store.
  • Did you get my email?

Examples of usage

  • The dog quickly obeyed the fetch command and brought the ball back.
  • Training a dog to do fetch can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "fetch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 buscar

🇮🇳 लाना

🇩🇪 holen

🇮🇩 mengambil

🇺🇦 отримати

🇵🇱 przynieść

🇯🇵 取る (toru)

🇫🇷 aller chercher

🇪🇸 buscar

🇹🇷 getirmek

🇰🇷 가져오다 (gajyeooda)

🇸🇦 جلب (jilb)

🇨🇿 přinést

🇸🇰 priniesť

🇨🇳 取 (qǔ)

🇸🇮 prinesi

🇮🇸 sækja

🇰🇿 алып келу

🇬🇪 მოტანა (mot'ana)

🇦🇿 gətirmək

🇲🇽 buscar

Etymology

The word 'fetch' originated from Old English 'fetian', meaning 'to bring, carry, or fetch'. Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to include various contexts, such as data retrieval in programming and dog training commands.

See also: fetching.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,518 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.