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
This ranking is based on such factors as retention and graduation rates, job placement outcomes, financial support programs and the overall quality of student veteran services.
—
Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
The company already had one of the highest employee retention rates in the space (80%) and boasted an offer-acceptance rate of 88% for tech roles, Anthropic’s head of global recruiting said in July.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
So, teacher recruitment and retention efforts are some of the district’s most important for improving student performance, Hill said.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
Ahead, gardening experts share several beautiful plants that double as living mulch for weed control and moisture retention.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retention
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Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
The company already had one of the highest employee retention rates in the space (80%) and boasted an offer-acceptance rate of 88% for tech roles, Anthropic’s head of global recruiting said in July.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
So, teacher recruitment and retention efforts are some of the district’s most important for improving student performance, Hill said.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
Ahead, gardening experts share several beautiful plants that double as living mulch for weed control and moisture retention.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 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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