retired

adjective

re·​tired ri-ˈtī(-ə)rd How to pronounce retired (audio)
Synonyms of retirednext
1
: secluded
a retired village
2
: withdrawn from one's position or occupation : having concluded one's working or professional career
a group of retired teachers
3
: received by or due to one in retirement
retired pay
retiredly
ri-ˈtī-rəd-lē
-ˈtī(-ə)rd- How to pronounce retired (audio)
adverb
retiredness noun

Examples of retired in a Sentence

hiked out to a retired beach and fished in the surf
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.
Diguglielmo was a retired nurse who had practiced for 30 years. Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Opportunities worth fighting for Esters, a 64-year-old retired clay sculptor for a Detroit automaker, flies three American flags at his Sherwood Forest home on the city’s west side. Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Johnny, himself a retired captain, tried to offer reassurance. Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 Virginia Piggott, a retired Army officer, was upset that children were playing on a nearby playground and fired her weapon several times. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retired

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retired was in 1585

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retired.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retired. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

retired

adjective
re·​tired
1
: secluded sense 1
a retired village
2
: not working at active duties or business

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