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

These timeless projects and decorating ideas bring together the familiarity of classic traditions and a touch of retro flair. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024

Opting for vinyl makes for a unique and retro music experience that brings generations together. —L.a. Hubilla, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Oversize puffer jackets, pastel hues and bold prints brought a playful, retro vibe to high-performance gear. —Maggie Clancy, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024

The hotel’s restaurant, St. Neo’s Brasserie, offers tasty Southern seafood, while the Pendant Terrace and Bar has a fun, retro vibe to take in city views. —Karen Norian, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2024

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")