retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce retention (audio)
1
a
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
b
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2
a
: power of retaining : retentiveness
b
: an ability to retain things in mind
specifically : a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
3
: something retained

Examples of retention in a Sentence

the recruitment and retention of good employees the retention of profits from all sales pills to offset water retention the retention of things learned in school They say the herb promotes memory retention.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rankings also look at first-year retention rates, borrower debt, faculty salaries, student-faculty ratio, standardized test scores, peer assessment and more. Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025 The headcount retention is a stark distinction from other corporate messaging recently. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 The performance gains were also clear in full-cell configurations using a V₆O₁₃ cathode, where the DEDFP system showed stable capacity retention at higher charge and discharge rates while the other systems degraded quickly. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025 Some of those that the research team identified included a gene associated with immune function and cognitive retention, a gene that influences how efficiently the body metabolizes fats, and another gene associated with aging brain health and heart disease. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retention

Word History

Etymology

Middle English retencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin retention-, retentio, from retinēre to retain — more at retain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of retention was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
1
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
2
: power of retaining
3
: something retained

Medical Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
1
: the act of retaining: as
a
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
retention of urine
retention of bile
b
: the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means of a retainer
2
: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible

Legal Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
1
: the act of retaining or the state of being retained
2
: the portion of the insurance on a particular risk not reinsured or ceded by the originating insurer
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