This study examined whether retrieval practice helps word learning in children with Down syndrome (DS) and in typically developing (TD) peers matched on receptive vocabulary. For word forms, recall was better after retrieval (RIR) than restudy in both DS and TD groups, with the advantage lasting to 1 week. For meanings, DS children showed a retrieval benefit (RIR > RS) at both time points, whereas TD children showed little difference. Recognition did not differ by condition in either group. Retrieval practice with feedback enhances novel word learning in DS and supports a general learning theory of effortful retrieval. Incorporating retrieval opportunities in DS education could be beneficial.