Definition of retention
1a : the act of retaining : the state of being retainedb : abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2a : power of retaining : retentivenessb : an ability to retain things in mind; specifically : a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
3 : something retained
From the M-W Editors
Examples of retention in a Sentence
the recruitment and retention of good employees
the retention of profits from all sales
pills to offset water retention
the retention of things learned in school
They say the herb promotes memory retention.
Recent Examples of retention from the Web
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The Chicago Fed said one manufacturing firm raised wages 10 percent to attract better applicants and improve retention of unskilled workers.
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The head of operations in North, Central and South America had already taken a costly slap, his name missing from the list of executives who were to receive a retention bonus presented to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Another way to slow water flow is to add underground facilities where retention ponds aren't feasible.
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Since joining Live Baltimore in 2013, Milli has been instrumental in the organization's family retention campaign and communication initiatives that highlight city neighborhoods people may not know about.
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The Valparaiso Community Schools system is building a retention pond out of the football practice fields west of Valparaiso High School near the dam the school constructed years ago.
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Four people were injured, two critically, late Saturday when a car struck a tree and plunged into a retention pond off of Southwest Natura Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, authorities said.
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There are revenue meetings every week in this department about ticket sales, both on the retention side and the new ticket sales side.
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Another group looked into the future, discussing technology advancements in stormwater management such as retention ponds.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retention'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of retention
Middle English retencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin retention-, retentio, from retinēre to retain — more at retain
RETENTION Defined for English Language Learners
retention
playDefinition of retention for English Language Learners
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: the act of keeping someone or something
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: the act of keeping extra liquid, heat, etc., inside the body
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: the ability to keep something
RETENTION Defined for Kids
retention
playDefinition of retention for Students
1 : the act of continuing to possess, control, or hold moisture retention
2 : the power or ability to keep or hold something memory retention
Medical Dictionary
retention
playMedical Definition of retention
1: the act of retaining: asa: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity retention of urine retention of bileb: the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means of a retainer
2: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
Law Dictionary
retention
playLegal Definition of retention
1 : the act of retaining or the state of being retained
2 : the portion of the insurance on a particular risk not reinsured or ceded by the originating insurer
Learn More about retention
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See words that rhyme with retention Spanish Central: Translation of retention Nglish: Translation of retention for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of retention for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retention
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