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during World War II, when weapons technology was advancing at an intense pace and planes and ships were becoming outdated even before their construction was complete, and the only solution was to retrofit the completed craft with the brand-new technology.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

Guest rooms have been retrofitted with granny-chic chenille bedspreads, while modern upgrades include plush mattresses. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

The space was retrofitted to include individual dorm rooms, but there wasn't enough space for doors. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

In the galley kitchen, Troadec retrofit existing cabinets, added new hardware, and custom-built a banquette with extra storage. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 7 Mar. 2026

The ancient Arena has been retrofitted with new wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms along with other safety upgrades. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retrofit

• candlelit
• counterfeit
• hypocrite
• monazite
• resubmit
• acquit
• admit
• amrit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit

Kids Definition

retrofit

verb

ret·​ro·​fit ˈre-trō-ˌfit 

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