retirement

1 of 2

noun

re·​tire·​ment ri-ˈtī(-ə)r-mənt How to pronounce retirement (audio)
Synonyms of retirementnext
1
a
: an act of retiring : the state of being retired
b
: withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life
c
: the age at which one normally retires
reaches retirement in May
2
: a place of seclusion or privacy

retirement

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or designed for retired persons

Examples of retirement in a Sentence

Noun She decided to take an early retirement. Many fans were surprised by the champion's retirement. The staff is smaller because of several retirements. I'm looking forward to retirement. He is ready for retirement. He came out of retirement to play baseball again. She has remained very active during retirement. The staff all wished her a long and happy retirement.
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.
Noun
The seat was open due to the retirement of a conservative justice. ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 The seat is open due to the retirement of a conservative justice. Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
At Northwestern, Weil shifted to emeritus status, or semi-retirement, in 2003, but continued teaching and being involved on campus. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 The Bottom Line The best financial planner for pre-retirement combines fiduciary responsibility, relevant credentials, transparent fees, and a clear retirement income strategy. Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retirement

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retirement was in 1536

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retirement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retirement. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

retirement

1 of 2 noun
re·​tire·​ment ri-ˈtī(ə)r-mənt How to pronounce retirement (audio)
: an act of retiring : the state of being retired
especially : the leaving of one's job permanently

retirement

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or made for retired persons
a retirement community

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