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

• vintage
• antique

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 year, Halloween is shaping up to be all about nostalgic comebacks, from the return of the Addams family to DIY Halloween costumes, making these retro finger foods right on trend. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025

The fun, fluffy accessory was decidedly retro, conjuring the kind of brightly colored dyed pelt bags sold by Blumarine or Juicy Couture in the 1990s. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

No one at your holiday gathering will be able to resist the retro charm of a pot of fondue. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

Just past the towering front door is a small gym outfitted with a compact, boxy, analog TV, a retro stationary bike, and a hefty silver boombox. —Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 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")