retouch

1 of 2

verb

re·​touch (ˌ)rē-ˈtəch How to pronounce retouch (audio)
retouched; retouching; retouches

transitive verb

1
: to rework in order to improve : touch up
2
: to alter (something, such as a photographic negative) to produce a more desirable appearance
3
: to color (new growth of hair) to match previously dyed, tinted, or bleached hair

intransitive verb

: to make or give retouches
retoucher noun

retouch

2 of 2

noun

re·​touch ˈrē-ˌtəch How to pronounce retouch (audio)
(ˌ)rē-ˈtəch
: the act or process or an instance of retouching
especially : the retouching of a new growth of hair

Examples of retouch in a Sentence

Verb The photo had been retouched to remove the wrinkles around his eyes.
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.
Verb
Face retouching tools are conveniently accessible in the Face Swap window. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Ohtani failed to retouch second base while returning to first on a deep flyout by Freddie Freeman. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
Noun
Color retouch costs range between $65 and $70 and bayalage or ombre are $150 and up. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 8 Apr. 2023 That's why Moore suggests going into the salon for a root retouch every four to eight weeks to maintain color vibrancy. Amina Ayoud, Allure, 23 Mar. 2022 See all Example Sentences for retouch 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French retoucher, from Middle French, from re- + toucher to touch

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retouch was circa 1650

Dictionary Entries Near retouch

Cite this Entry

“Retouch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retouch. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

retouch

verb
re·​touch
(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch
: touch up
especially : to change (as a photographic negative) in order to produce a more desirable appearance
retouch
ˈrē-ˌtəch
(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch
noun
retoucher
(ˈ)rē-ˈtəch-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on retouch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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