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

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball A classic 1970s cheese ball is the retro party appetizer heading for a comeback. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Channel Jennifer Lawrence’s recent sneakerina look with these retro Mary Jane shoes. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Rather than the retro wooden sleigh beds, this one takes a modern lens with chocolate brown upholstery and curved edges. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026

Rather than a custom Chrome Hearts leather suit, this time, te look seemed like a real retro deal. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 July 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")