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

Plunge Beach Resort effortlessly combines retro touches with modern amenities in resort-style rooms, as well as adult-only bungalows. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025

In their debut campaign, inspired by the glamour and romance of the 1960s countryside lifestyle, the two transformed their modern flair with retro banged hairstyles. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025

Thanks to his guide on what to do in Williams, Dad and I dined at Goldie's Route 66 Diner, which maintains the retro look and feel of a 1950s or 1960s diner, complete with pop culture memorabilia along the walls and a ceramic Betty Boop at the entrance. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 22 Dec. 2025

The Book 2 was revealed in November and continues the line’s theme of finding inspiration in retro Nike sneakers, as well as classic cars. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 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")