retirement

1 of 2

noun

re·​tire·​ment ri-ˈtī(-ə)r-mənt 

1

a

: an act of retiring : the state of being retired

b

: withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life

c

: the age at which one normally retires

reaches retirement in May

2

: a place of seclusion or privacy

retirement

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or designed for retired persons

Synonyms of retirement

Noun

• withdrawal
• retreat

Examples of retirement in a Sentence

Noun

She decided to take an early retirement.

Many fans were surprised by the champion's retirement.

The staff is smaller because of several retirements.

I'm looking forward to retirement.

He is ready for retirement.

He came out of retirement to play baseball again.

She has remained very active during retirement.

The staff all wished her a long and happy retirement.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In an isolated but fairly posh desert retirement community, freaky things are afoot. —Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

Frost maintained that CalPERS is one of the most transparent retirement systems in the country and, as required by California law, the fund reports fees and fund performance to the public and the Legislature. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

Adjective

However, there are certain assets — including bank accounts, non-retirement savings and some property — that may still be vulnerable depending on the situation and state law. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 May 2026

Shetty said of the post-retirement fulfillment drop. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing retirement

• come out of retirement
• individual retirement account
• pre-retirement
• retirement home
• retirement plan

Rhymes for retirement

• postretirement
• preretirement

Kids Definition

retirement

1 of 2 noun

re·​tire·​ment ri-ˈtī(ə)r-mənt 

: an act of retiring : the state of being retired

especially : the leaving of one's job permanently

retirement

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or made for retired persons

a retirement community