retrofit
verb
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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during World War II, when weapons technology was advancing at an intense pace and planes and ships were becoming outdated even before their construction was complete, and the only solution was to retrofit the completed craft with the brand-new technology.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
Filip Timotija, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
Branislav Dimitrijevic, an engineering professor of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, said retrofitting trains to prevent roof access would be expensive.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Walmart also has plans to retrofit 42 other locations with automation technology by 2030.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
The researchers tested their idea in Kansas City, Missouri, retrofitting 23 streetlights to serve as chargers.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retrofit
Cite this Entry
“Retrofit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrofit. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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retrofit
verb
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