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 Free Stage is known for drawing crowds with its mix of retro icons and crowd-pleasers. —Samanta Habashy, IndyStar, 31 July 2025

The inclusion of Polaroid cameras is a delightful touch, enhancing the retro vibe and creating lasting memories. —Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

The first Fantastic Four comic debuted in 1961, and the new movie will return the beloved superheroes to their '60s roots, offering up a period film full of retro flair. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 26 July 2025

What started in the 19th century for the working class to eat affordably, the bouillon concept has more recently been revived in the city thanks to Art Nouveau-style spots like Bouillon Julien and Bouillon Pigalle, with its retro red leather banquettes and mirrored walls. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 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")