retro

1 of 2

adjective

ret·​ro ˈre-(ˌ)trō 

: relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past : fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned

a retro look

retro noun

retro-

2 of 2

prefix

1

: backward : back

retro-rocket

2

: situated behind

retroperitoneal

Synonyms

Adjective

• vintage
• antique

Examples of retro in a Sentence

Adjective

the retro look in fashion

retro fashions that seek to capture the lost glamour of Hollywood in the 1930s

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Dior, Rabanne and Lanvin alum tapped into retro silhouettes, such as broad shoulders and asymmetry. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025

Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Flare Jeans The flare silhouette here matches Clarkson's retro-style jeans, but with a bit more fit through the leg. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

Texas Throwback Spotlight A special retro screening series celebrating Texas cinematic history sponsored by Bluebonnet Abstract & Title. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025

This family-run retro diner started as a soda fountain in the 1940s and expanded. —Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French rétro, short for rétrospectif retrospective

Prefix

Latin, from retro, from re- + -tro (as in intro within) — more at intro-

First Known Use

Adjective

1972, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing retro

• retro-rocket

Rhymes for retro

• nonmetro

Kids Definition

retro

1 of 2 adjective

ret·​ro ˈret-rō 

: relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past

retro-

2 of 2 prefix

: backward : back

retro-rocket

Etymology

Prefix

derived from Latin re- "back, again" and Latin -tro (the final part of intro "within")