Molecular imprinted polymer (MIP MAA--CD) with 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and methacrylic acid functionalized -cyclodextrin (MAA--CD) as the template molecule and the functional monomer, respectively, was prepared and used in molecular imprinted-solid phase extraction (MISPE) for the extraction of phenols (2,4-dichlorophenol, 2-chlorophenol, 4-chloro-3-methylphenol, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and 2-nitrophenol) from water samples. The MISPE method was optimized prior to the determination using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Under the optimized conditions, the MIP MAA--CD sorbent showed good linearity (0.01-12 mgL(-1)), low limits of detection (0.14-0.75 mu gL(-1)), and good repeatability (RSD 2.3-3.6%, n = 3). Good recoveries were obtained in the range of 97-115% for tap water and between 88-103% for river water. The developed MIP MAA--CD SPE was then compared with other adsorbents. The unique properties of -CD and presence of imprinted cavities explains the higher extraction recoveries obtained for phenols when using MIP MAA--CD SPE.