retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce retention (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Track Holistic Metrics, Not Just Revenue Establish clear metrics beyond revenue that signal true health, such as customer retention rates, team well-being scores and sustainable margins. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Union leaders confirmed the tentative agreement addresses wage improvements beyond a prior offer overwhelmingly rejected by workers last month and includes strategies for recruitment and retention without triggering fare increases or major new budget strains. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 That number was a loss of one officer from the same time the previous year, showing an increase in officer retention. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2025 Late in last year’s campaign, Trump promised a 10 percent raise for all agents along with recruitment and retention bonuses of $10,000. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for retention

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of retention was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
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 How to pronounce retention (audio)
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 How to pronounce retention (audio)
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
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