retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten(t)-shən 
1
a
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
b
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2
a
: power of retaining : retentiveness
b
: an ability to retain things in mind
specifically
: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
3
: something retained
Examples of retention in a Sentence
the recruitment and retention of good employees
the retention of profits from all sales
pills to offset water retention
the retention of things learned in school
They say the herb promotes memory retention.
Recent Examples on the Web
That translates into better performance, stronger retention, and fewer interruptions from preventable incidents.
—
Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
The Red Raiders and the Huskies will likely find their way into many preseason top 10s in part due to this retention of potential draft picks.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Councilmember John Lee, who chairs the council’s public safety committee, said in an interview last month that the chief had privately shared some plans for the department, which centered on improving recruitment and retention of officers.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
The shirt is made with minimal seams to reduce chafing, and the fabric also includes elastane to improve stretch and shape retention.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retention
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Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
The Red Raiders and the Huskies will likely find their way into many preseason top 10s in part due to this retention of potential draft picks.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Councilmember John Lee, who chairs the council’s public safety committee, said in an interview last month that the chief had privately shared some plans for the department, which centered on improving recruitment and retention of officers.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
The shirt is made with minimal seams to reduce chafing, and the fabric also includes elastane to improve stretch and shape retention.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retention
Cite this Entry
“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
2
: power of retaining
3
: something retained
Medical Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining: as
a
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
retention of urine
retention of bile
b
: the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means of a retainer
2
: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
Legal Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining or the state of being retained
2
: the portion of the insurance on a particular risk not reinsured or ceded by the originating insurer
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