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 a 2024 survey conducted across 200 companies, talent retention remains another major concern for manufacturers, contributing to labor scarcity. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026

Muller said Implats, which relies on Zimbabwe for more than one third of its annual output, accepts the idea of the retention rule but noted that problems arise when the central bank cannot deliver the converted local currency on demand to pay wages, suppliers and other domestic expenses. —Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026

The cast-iron construction provides excellent heat distribution and retention, and with proper care and seasoning can last generations. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

As medicine becomes more personalized, things like biomarkers—a broad subcategory of medical signs including glucose regulation, muscle retention indicators, and circadian rhythm metics—are contributing to a better understanding of long-term risk patterns and aging. —Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 8 Mar. 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