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
Amber and other pulse surveys inform leaders on how to best tailor the platform to serve employees needs, which positively trickles down into worker engagement and retention.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 May 2024
Staffing levels, along with data collection and retention, continue to plague the department’s reform efforts, according to the monitoring team.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for retention 
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 May 2024
Staffing levels, along with data collection and retention, continue to plague the department’s reform efforts, according to the monitoring team.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for retention
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retention.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near retention
Cite this Entry
“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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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