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

• antique
• old-fashioned
• old-school
• old-time
• old-timey
• old-world
• oldfangled
• quaint
• retrograde
• vintage

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

Quilted jackets for a touch of classic, cottage-core charm and, on the opposite end of the spectrum, retro track jackets with so-sporty vibes. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 14 Mar. 2025

Flattered Launches Spring/Summer 2025 Collection Flattered’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection embraces retro aesthetics, drawing inspiration from ’60s minimalism. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025

This class is defined by its retro nature and custom design. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Wes Anderson: The Exhibition at The Design Museum, London November 21, 2025–July 26, 2026 Symmetry, pastel colors, tableau-like sets, retro fashion: Famously, Wes Anderson’s movies have a look. —Ellen Carpenter, AFAR Media, 5 Mar. 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")