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

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, 28 Nov. 2025

The organic cotton Mosaic bundle channels a retro motif that gives your decor a splash of color. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

It's made of solid wood and has a gorgeous retro vibe that belies the still-futuristic home cinema gear it's made to hide. —Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Wear it to a holiday party with a nice sweater and heels, or dress it down with a retro T-shirt and sneakers. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 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")