retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten(t)-shən 

1

a

: the act of retaining : the state of being retained

b

: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity

2

a

: power of retaining : retentiveness

b

: 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

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 on the Web

The Pizza Plate is a reusable metal tray that uses heat retention to re-crisp the bottom of your slice, restoring that golden, crunchy crust every pizza lover craves. —ABC News, 9 May 2026

Still, the turnover in former draft picks reflects the current state of talent retention and development for both the Sky and the WNBA at large. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

Nurses are the reason Florida’s nursing centers are the gold standard and consistently outpace the nation in quality outcomes and staff retention. —Dawn Chery-Mangine, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026

Although Housing First may boast high rates of housing retention among those who are placed (as reflected in the case studies), the resource demands prevent most of the homeless population from receiving any help at all (as reflected in the national data). —Christopher Calton, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English retencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin retention-, retentio, from retinēre to retain — more at retain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for retention

• attention
• contention
• convention
• declension
• detention
• dimension
• dissension
• distension
• extension
• intension
• invention
• laurentian

Kids Definition

retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən 

1

: the act of retaining : the state of being retained

2

: power of retaining

3

: something retained

Medical Definition

retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən 

1

: the act of retaining: as

a

: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity

retention of urine

retention of bile

b

: 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

Legal Definition

retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən 

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