retro

1 of 2

adjective

ret·​ro ˈre-(ˌ)trō How to pronounce retro (audio)
Synonyms of retro
: relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past : fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned
a retro look
retro noun

retro-

2 of 2

prefix

1
: backward : back
retro-rocket
2
: situated behind
retroperitoneal

Synonyms of retro

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Adjective

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Examples of retro in a Sentence

Adjective the retro look in fashion retro fashions that seek to capture the lost glamour of Hollywood in the 1930s
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Elsewhere Citroën is banking on retro-chic styling to distract consumers from the vehicle's minimalism. — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026 The company known for its retro household fans laid off more than 70 factory workers in February, blaming higher prices for imported parts. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Fast-forward to today, the 38’ Top Gun blends that legendary, retro style with the latest marine innovations. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Read More Nothing’s first pair of over-ear headphones feature a retro transparent design and high-end features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio with head tracking, and plush ear pads. — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retro

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French rétro, short for rétrospectif retrospective

Prefix

Latin, from retro, from re- + -tro (as in intro within) — more at intro-

First Known Use

Adjective

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retro was in 1972

Phrases Containing retro

Rhymes for retro

See All Rhymes for retro

Browse Nearby Words

retrim
retro
retro-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retro. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

retro

1 of 2 adjective
ret·​ro ˈret-rō How to pronounce retro (audio)
: relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past

retro-

2 of 2 prefix
: backward : back
retro-rocket
Etymology

Prefix

derived from Latin re- "back, again" and Latin -tro (the final part of intro "within")

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