What does retiree mean?
A retiree is a person who has ended an active working career, especially an older person who has retired after a substantial period of employment. The word is used in everyday conversation as well as in legal, financial, medical, and governmental contexts, including discussions of pensions, retirement benefits, health care, and employment history. It generally has a neutral or mildly positive connotation and may suggest both the practical advantages of leaving work and the social or economic considerations associated with retirement. Retiree is especially common in American English, while British speakers often use alternatives such as “retired person” or “pensioner.” The plural is “retirees.” Although the word can refer to anyone who has retired from a position or profession, it most commonly describes a person who has concluded a career after reaching a customary retirement age.
nounA person who has retired from active employment or service, especially an older person who has ended a working career. A retiree may receive a pension or other retirement benefits.
- A person who has retired from employment, especially one who has reached the end of a working career.
"The retiree spends part of the winter travelling and volunteers at the local library."
"After retiring, she became a consultant and advised several nonprofit organizations."
"The report compares the health-care costs of retirees with those of active employees."
The standard plural adds “-s.”
"Many retirees volunteer in their communities."
Retiree comes from French and originally meant someone who had been “withdrawn” from active life or service.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does retiree come from?
English borrowed retiree from French retraité, the past participle of retirer, meaning “to withdraw” or “to pull back.” French retirer was formed from re- and tirer, ultimately connected with Latin trahere, “to pull, draw, or drag.” The English word became established in the 19th century for a person who had retired from active employment; related English forms such as retire, retired, and retirement reflect the same French and Latin ancestry.
Related word forms
How retiree is actually used
Retiree is neutral and broadly appropriate in formal, professional, and administrative contexts. It is especially common in US English; in British English, “retired person” and “pensioner” may be used more frequently.
Easily confused with retiree
A retiree is a person who has retired, whereas retirement is the state or period of no longer working.