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

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

The retro lime version will be available at retailers nationwide for a limited time starting October 6 in 12-pack cans and single 20-ounce bottles. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025

Of course, brown kicks are shaping up to be the biggest sneaker trend of the season, particularly in slim, retro styles. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025

The retro-looking white sneakers have suede detailing and a splash of plum wine in the back. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025

With new species and the opportunity to explore a planet led by wealthy corporations, director Noah Hawley began building the retro-futuristic creatures to terrify the next generation. —Leia Mendoza, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025

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")