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during World War II, when weapons technology was advancing at an intense pace and planes and ships were becoming outdated even before their construction was complete, and the only solution was to retrofit the completed craft with the brand-new technology.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

The report included the lack of antimissile capabilities in the new aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 that was donated by the government of Qatar and later retrofitted. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Laser projectors still beat out the older IMAX digital xenon 2K resolution projectors, which were retrofitted into existing theaters. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

Where Gravis retrofits machines already on site, Monumental deploys its own fleet from scratch. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 15 July 2026

The new jet in question, a present from Qatar that the administration spent $400 million to retrofit and upgrade, entered service last week. — ABC News, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retrofit

• candlelit
• counterfeit
• hypocrite
• resubmit
• acquit
• admit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit

Kids Definition

retrofit

verb

ret·​ro·​fit ˈre-trō-ˌfit 

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