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

The news comes courtesy of @zsneakerheadz and Sneaker Files, who report that the style will return in retro form along with other early 2000s styles. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 11 Apr. 2026

To Kennard’s right, with his arm hanging around the then-teenager’s shoulder is James, donning what would now be seen as a retro Florida Marlins baseball cap. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2026

Embroidered sweatshirts, retro-style movie posters, sticky notes and comedic stickers are all available on the marketplace. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

The Sacramento shoe’s first retro release is generating buzz among sneakerheads. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 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")