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

The atmosphere itself is part of the experience, with retro vibes meeting modern design and cleverly themed spaces that blend playfulness with sophistication. —Avidxchange Music Factory, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025

Queen Letizia of Spain made the case for a retro trend while in Barcelona for a royal engagement on Thursday. —Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025

Midcentury motels pay homage to their retro roots and recall hey-days of simple but sweet beach vacations. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025

Now, Atari is entering the ring with a device aimed squarely at retro gaming enthusiasts. —Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 3 Jan. 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

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")