retire
verb (used without object)
to withdraw from one's career, occupation, or office, usually because of age.
had retired
-
past perfectof retire.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Also in 2019, the couple, who had retired from careers in college testing, traveled to Morocco with their two children.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
By the time Eddie L. Orum III took on the responsibility of caring for his aging mom and aunt about nine years ago, he had retired from his career as a high-school teacher and principal.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
If he had retired then, Robbins says, the lower balance would have left him more vulnerable to market downturns.
From Barron's ● Jun. 13, 2026
The board instead renewed his contract multiple times, then called him back in 2022 — nearly a year after he had retired — when the last leadership handoff famously unraveled.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2026
He had retired her without ever racing her.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
