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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

Appeared in the March 5, 2026, print edition as 'Apple Retro: Cheap, Bright'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Elliot adds: "Retro gaming is always there, it's ever-present, it's just good simple, fun - it's what you remember - it's stories to be told."

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

Nike had placed a GPS tracker in the shipment of 11 Retro shoes, which was worth about $311,000.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Seahawks 20, Browns 13: Retro uniforms may call for an old-school game, with two emerging defenses battling it out.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

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

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas