retouch

1 of 2

verb

re·​touch (ˌ)rē-ˈtəch 

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 

(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

Verb

Over much of the preceding 2,055 days, the site had been a hive of industry, with teams cleaning marble mosaics, retouching frescoes and clambering over the anthill of scaffolding that filled the center of the landmark. —Joseph Ataman, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024

Apps abound, offering the easiest of experiences in creating and retouching photos and videos which can then be easily transmitted online and through social media. —Deepti Hajela, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 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

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

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