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 of retro

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

Models strutting in retro pouffy wigs (the models literally look like ’60s mannequins), shirts with giant buttons, leather pants that look four sizes too huge. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026

Still, every so often Kate will add a little IYKYK flair—perhaps with an unexpected accessory, a diplomatic choice of handbag, or in this case, a retro coat dress from one of LFW’s favorite young designers. —Olivia Allen, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026

For eight years, the Guggenheim family has staged live theatrical performances, presented retro and current films and hosted community events — the city’s only such blend of entertainment. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026

The consoles are now joining the ranks of other retro consoles, such as the Nintendo DS and the Sega Saturn. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

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")