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
The Mister Mort x Tip Top Shoes x Mephisto Match takes inspiration from retro hiking boots, decking out the low-top walking sneaker in materials often found on mountaineering shoes. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026 The Atlanta Falcons received backlash — and some jokes — after revealing a retro team symbol that some say resembles Nazi imagery. — Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 There are other markets which could prove an intriguing hunting ground for it, where a stylish, approachable quarter-liter motorcycle could offer something different to the usual retro roadster formula. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026 All Regal Crown Club members who buy tickets will receive a code for an in-game cosmetic — in this case, Art’s retro flower sunglasses. — William Earl, Variety, 22 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

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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 27 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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