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

According to documents obtained by The Sacramento Bee, school officials calculated their teacher retention rate to be 85%. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 12 Dec. 2025

The ramekin is constructed with premium stoneware and finished with a glossy glaze that guarantees even heat distribution and retention while resisting scratching, fading, and chipping. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

Heavier pans with heavy bottoms promote even heat distribution and retention, which ensures the food cooks uniformly and prevents scorching. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Some of that data will include how biochar influences key agricultural indicators, such as crop yield and water retention, as well as reduction of farm-level emissions and carbon removal. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025

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