What does retro mean?
Retro describes anything that recalls an earlier period while presenting it in a familiar, often playful way. It is especially associated with the middle decades of the 20th century, although it can refer more broadly to any recognizable earlier style. Typical applications include retro fashion, music, interiors, technology, and games. The word often conveys nostalgia, but it differs from merely calling something old or outdated: retro suggests that earlier forms have been revived, reinterpreted, or embraced because of their distinctive appeal. As an informal noun, a retro is something regarded as characteristically old-fashioned yet attractive or entertaining. In descriptions of design and popular culture, the term frequently combines with words such as aesthetic, look, gaming, and revival. It is more common in informal and commercial language than in formal historical writing.
Characteristic of or reminiscent of an earlier period, especially the mid-20th century.
"The shop sells retro clothing, furniture, and accessories."
Informal and usually approving when used for a revival of older styles.
Something regarded as characteristic of an earlier era, especially a retro game or a retro style.
"The console was marketed as a retro long before the term became fashionable."
Informal and less common than the adjective; it is particularly used in discussions of games and popular culture.
Plural usage is uncommon; when used informally as a shortened form of retrospective, it commonly takes the plural retros.
"The collection includes retros from several classic eras of computer gaming."
Retro turns nostalgia into a design style: it is not merely old, but deliberately styled as if the past had been rediscovered today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does retro come from?
The modern word developed from the combining form retro-, meaning “backward” or “behind,” taken from the Latin adverb retro, “backward, behind.” That Latin word is associated with re-, meaning “back,” and trahere, “to draw or pull,” and it underlies cognates including retrospect, retrospective, retract, and retrace. The English combining form became widely used in the 1960s as a shorthand for retrospective and as a general label for styles associated with the recent past.
Related word forms
How retro is actually used
The adjective is informal and commonly implies an affectionate or fashionable revival of mid-20th-century culture. It is often used for visual design, music, clothing, games, and interiors, and generally carries a more positive, playful tone than simply calling something old-fashioned.
Easily confused with retro
Retro is pronounced with an initial r and means relating to the past, whereas retre is a French-derived culinary term for a slice of stale bread used to thicken soup.
Retro relates to earlier styles or cultural periods, while retreat means to move back or withdraw.