retrofit

verb

ret·​ro·​fit ˈre-trō-ˌfit 

ˌre-trō-ˈfit

retrofitted or retrofit; retrofitting; retrofits

transitive verb

1

: to furnish (something, such as a computer, airplane, or building) with new or modified parts or equipment not available or considered necessary at the time of manufacture

2

: to install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously manufactured or constructed

3

: to adapt to a new purpose or need : modify

retrofit the story for a new audience

retrofit

ˈre-trō-ˌfit

noun

Did you know?

The concept of retrofitting became an urgent necessity during World War II, when weapons technology was advancing at an intense pace and planes and ships were becoming outdated even before their construction was complete, and the only solution was to retrofit the completed craft with the brand-new technology. Retrofitting was revived on a massive scale during the energy crisis of the 1970s, when new features were added to millions of old houses to make them more energy-efficient. Retrofitting is thus different from merely renovating, which may not involve any new technology at all.

Examples of retrofit in a Sentence

The factory has been retrofitted to meet the new safety regulations.

We can retrofit your car with the new fuel system.

Recent Examples on the Web

If connected to the internet, a device can convey messages, send your personal information abroad, or, in theory, detonate on command if it were built (or retrofitted) to do so. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2024

There remain many other cities that have done nothing for decades to order vulnerable buildings be retrofitted or demolished. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2024

It can also even be easily retrofitted to an existing washing machine regardless of the manufacturer or age of the machine. —Jamie Hailstone, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

Historic Green Village Anna Maria's Historic Green Village is a group of old buildings retrofitted with solar panels and rainwater cisterns to become a net-zero community. —Tracey Minkin, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

retrofit

verb

ret·​ro·​fit ˈre-trō-ˌfit 

: to install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously manufactured or constructed