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

Not only was there visibility on some of the chicer kits like Palmeiras and Borussia Dortmund, which both boast a more retro collar style with a proficiency in color theory, there was a noted interest in DIY styling and upcycling of soccer jerseys. —Alyssa Hardy, Vogue, 11 July 2025

With gradient hues of pinks and purples, the set comes in retro colors to add a touch of vibrancy to your cabinets. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 July 2025

This week’s Vault assortment, all drawn from our new Travel Collection, is definitely Jones-approved, and has the same sense of retro swagger. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 July 2025

With Low Life, the streamer appears to be leaning into retro noir stylings and anti-hero dynamics, aiming to replicate the international appeal of Big Bet and Narco-Saints. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 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")