retouch

1 of 2

verb

re·​touch (ˌ)rē-ˈtəch How to pronounce retouch (audio)
retouched; retouching; retouches

transitive verb

1
: to rework in order to improve : touch up
2
: to alter (something, such as a photographic negative) to produce a more desirable appearance
3
: to color (new growth of hair) to match previously dyed, tinted, or bleached hair

intransitive verb

: to make or give retouches
retoucher noun

retouch

2 of 2

noun

re·​touch ˈrē-ˌtəch How to pronounce retouch (audio)
(ˌ)rē-ˈtəch
: the act or process or an instance of retouching
especially : the retouching of a new growth of hair

Examples of retouch in a Sentence

Verb The photo had been retouched to remove the wrinkles around his eyes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Ohtani failed to retouch second base while returning to first on a deep flyout by Freddie Freeman. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Apps abound, offering the easiest of experiences in creating and retouching photos and videos which can then be easily transmitted online and through social media. Deepti Hajela, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024
Noun
Color retouch costs range between $65 and $70 and bayalage or ombre are $150 and up. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 8 Apr. 2023 That's why Moore suggests going into the salon for a root retouch every four to eight weeks to maintain color vibrancy. Amina Ayoud, Allure, 23 Mar. 2022 See all Example Sentences for retouch 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retouch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French retoucher, from Middle French, from re- + toucher to touch

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retouch was circa 1650

Dictionary Entries Near retouch

Cite this Entry

“Retouch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retouch. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

retouch

verb
re·​touch
(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch
: touch up
especially : to change (as a photographic negative) in order to produce a more desirable appearance
retouch
ˈrē-ˌtəch
(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch
noun
retoucher
(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch-ər
noun

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