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

From retro denim totes to backpacks, mini styles for kids and park-ready packable bags, the collection combines BÉIS’ signature travel friendly functionality with playful Disney details. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Casual tees, in general, have dominated the summer 2026 trend cycle, between retro striped ringer tees and rugby polos to raglan shirts and sports jerseys. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026

Still to come for the group set is the first rerelease of the Sacramento style, which is set to arrive during holiday 2026, which will leave the New York makeup as the only pair that hasn’t received a retro launch. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026

Kids will love the retro metal rocket and lunar module replica at Los Arboles Park and the splash pad and accessible treehouse at Wilson Park, which is also the site of free summertime outdoor concerts. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Aug. 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")