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

This season’s celebrity trends have spanned retro Hollywood nostalgia, sheer gowns and monochromatic looks, including lots and lots of black. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025

Brands such as Victoria + Albert, Water Monopoly and Kohler are turning out sleek, artful soaking varieties ranging from retro ceramic vessels with ball feet to simple wooden vats that immerse users in water up to their necks, a la ancient Japan. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025

Bongiovi, 22, also chose a more retro look: blue jeans, brown boots, and a white T-shirt underneath a black leather jacket. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Classic sportswear brands are also bringing retro tennis dresses to the forefront. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 27 Feb. 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")