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• retro
  retro

  adjective

  retroactive.
• retro-
  retro-

  a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin meaning “backward” (retrogress ); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (retrorocket ).

retro

¹ American  

[re-troh] / ˈrɛ troʊ /

adjective

Informal.

1. retroactive.

   retro pay.

2. of or designating the style of an earlier time.

   retro clothes.

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retro- ² American  

1. a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin meaning “backward” (retrogress ); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (retrorocket ).

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retro- ¹ British  

prefix

1. back or backwards

   retroactive

2. located behind

   retrolental

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retro ² British  

/ ˈrɛtrəʊ /

noun

1. short for retrorocket

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adjective

1. denoting something associated with or revived from the past

   retro dressing

   retro fashion

Etymology

Origin of retro¹

By shortening

Origin of retro-²

< Latin, representing retrō (adv.), backward, back, behind

Explanation

Retro things imitate a style from the past. A retro diner might serve 1950s-style milkshakes and be decorated like a diner from that era, but the prices will be much more modern. If you like retro clothes, you probably shop online and at thrift shops, where you can find pants from the 70s and prom dresses from the 50s. Retro music is heavily influenced by past genres, like rockabilly or doo-wop. You can also use retro as a noun: "I'm really into retro when it comes to cars." The word was first used in the 1970s in French, rétro, short for rétrograde, from the Latin retrogradi, "move backward."

Example Sentences

Court documents and other evidence from the recent OpenAI-Musk trial also disclosed the value of Altman’s stakes in Helion, Cerebras, Retro Biosciences and other startups as of December.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Tape vendors Angela Medina and Miguel Alonso of Cheap Thrill Retro have been collecting VHS tapes for five years.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025

He emerges from the bullpen to “Bailalo Rocky,” a song by Yoan Retro and Ariadne Arana.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025

Livingston’s group, the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, is sponsored by longevity biotechs including the Sam Altman-backed Retro Biosciences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 3, 2025

Mr. Retro comes to a soft landing in our backyard.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas