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
Now a new company wants to make the homeownership journey a workplace benefit, helping employers with recruitment and retention, and workers with a leg up the ladder.
—
Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
The Phoenix would be all-electric and would feature sustainability elements such as geothermal heating and cooling, a green roof that enables 100% stormwater retention, and electric vehicle-ready parking, Clay's office said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
Lululemon also added a touch of Lycra elastane, so the wearer benefits from four-way stretch and shape retention.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Invest in equitable public school funding, teacher recruitment/retention incentives, mental health support, technology access, and career pathways that prepare students for 21st-century jobs, while keeping classrooms safe and focused on learning.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retention
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Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
The Phoenix would be all-electric and would feature sustainability elements such as geothermal heating and cooling, a green roof that enables 100% stormwater retention, and electric vehicle-ready parking, Clay's office said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
Lululemon also added a touch of Lycra elastane, so the wearer benefits from four-way stretch and shape retention.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Invest in equitable public school funding, teacher recruitment/retention incentives, mental health support, technology access, and career pathways that prepare students for 21st-century jobs, while keeping classrooms safe and focused on learning.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retention
Cite this Entry
“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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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