retro

1 of 2

adjective

ret·​ro ˈre-(ˌ)trō How to pronounce retro (audio)
: 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

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
In what feels like a more retro style of filming that includes whip pan shots, the audience is compelled to examine the crime scene through Karl’s discerning eyes. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2024 Design lovers will appreciate the warm, retro elements that bring early-20th-century into the modern day. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024 Wright is seeing a lot of trending styles for resort wear, including Scandinavian styles (just look at the ever-growing popularity of Copenhagen Fashion Week), though, her biggest inspiration for the brand is often retro 1990s and early 2000s designs. Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Ice cream and pie shakes add retro flair and round out the fun. sugarfirepie.com; 9200 Olive Blvd #108, Olivette, MO 63132; 314-736-6300 Sugaree’s Bakery New Albany, Mississippi Located in the historic town of New Albany, this bakery has specialized in sweets since 1997. Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near retro

Cite this Entry

“Retro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retro. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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")

More from Merriam-Webster on retro

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!