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 of retro

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

Fruit motifs are a bright and cheerful way to add a little retro charm to a tablescape or bar cart. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

The sneakers have a cool retro look, and can be styled so many different ways — pair them with a breezy linen dress for warm days outside or brunching with friends. —Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

This retro device can play CDs and Bluetooth music from your smartphone. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

But its retro styling and processes offer a unique time-machine driving experience. —New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026

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")