retro

1 of 2

adjective

ret·​ro ˈre-(ˌ)trō 

: 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

Adjective

• antique
• old-fashioned
• old-school
• old-time
• old-timey
• old-world
• oldfangled
• quaint
• retrograde
• vintage

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

Adjective

Her kicks cost $790, but luckily, there are plenty of other brands that make retro sneakers like Garner’s for much less. —Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

Each boasts a genuine creaking floor, the kid- favorite candy barrels with retro sweets such as caramel bull’s-eyes, kitchen items like cast-iron skillets, and an extensive line of delicious foods including apple butter and peach salsa. —Carolanne Griffith Roberts, Southern Living, 22 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing retro

• retro-rocket

Kids Definition

retro

1 of 2 adjective

ret·​ro ˈret-rō 

: 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")