retro

¹

[re-troh]

adjective

Informal.

1. retroactive.

   retro pay.

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

   retro clothes.

retro-

²

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

retro-

¹

prefix

1. back or backwards

   retroactive

2. located behind

   retrolental

retro

²

/ ˈrɛtrəʊ /

noun

1. short for retrorocket

adjective

1. denoting something associated with or revived from the past

   retro dressing

   retro fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of retro¹

By shortening

Origin of retro²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of retro¹

from Latin retrō behind, backwards

Example Sentences

“I like the diner, I like the retro futuristic style,” Roquefort said.

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“It feels retro without being kitschy,” said Jordan Egstad, creative director and co-designer of Instrument Serif, which was made for the design agency Instrument.

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As Hollywood speeds toward an A.I.-powered future in which virtual cameras are becoming standard, there’s more romance to a movie made in a bespoke method with a retro name.

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Vanderbilt strives to imbue “Nuremberg” with a retro appeal that sometimes feels misplaced.

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Eilish has continued to explore new styles on her subsequent releases—pulling off swooning retro ballads on Happier Than Ever and gesturing toward dance music on Hit Me Hard and Soft.

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