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
Machine learning, a subset of AI, can detect and protect against cyber threats by recognizing malicious patterns and filtering out phishing emails and URLs.
Client Interaction Solutions
Quick and personalized responses are crucial for customer satisfaction and retention.
—
Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2024
Initially earmarked for 100 new officer jobs, the money has been steered toward providing retention bonuses for Indianapolis Metropolitan police after staffing goals fell short and the funding for the appointments expires at the end of this year.
—Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Apr. 2024
The nine couples who came forward Tuesday are suing on multiple grounds, including negligence; medical battery; concealment; intentional misrepresentation; negligent misrepresentation; negligent hiring, retention and supervision; and loss of consortium, and are seeking a jury trial.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2024
Martinez Powless, who had been serving as DEI officer, gave up those duties when she was named interim vice president of enrollment and retention in September 2023.
—Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024
Last fall, the City Council approved a four-year package of raises and bonuses for officers that boosted the starting salary to $86,000, as well as bigger retention bonuses and other incentives.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
Calipari's contract, which is also the largest for an Arkansas head coach, has a $7 million base with annual retention bonuses and includes a no-compete clause.
—Matt Jones, arkansasonline.com, 20 Apr. 2024
Two of the four justices who voted in favor of the ban are up for retention in November, meaning voters will decide whether or not to keep them on the court.
—The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
Using Taylor Swift as the impetus for teaching important concepts increases attention, learning, and retention.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2024
Initially earmarked for 100 new officer jobs, the money has been steered toward providing retention bonuses for Indianapolis Metropolitan police after staffing goals fell short and the funding for the appointments expires at the end of this year.
—Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Apr. 2024
The nine couples who came forward Tuesday are suing on multiple grounds, including negligence; medical battery; concealment; intentional misrepresentation; negligent misrepresentation; negligent hiring, retention and supervision; and loss of consortium, and are seeking a jury trial.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2024
Martinez Powless, who had been serving as DEI officer, gave up those duties when she was named interim vice president of enrollment and retention in September 2023.
—Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024
Last fall, the City Council approved a four-year package of raises and bonuses for officers that boosted the starting salary to $86,000, as well as bigger retention bonuses and other incentives.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
Calipari's contract, which is also the largest for an Arkansas head coach, has a $7 million base with annual retention bonuses and includes a no-compete clause.
—Matt Jones, arkansasonline.com, 20 Apr. 2024
Two of the four justices who voted in favor of the ban are up for retention in November, meaning voters will decide whether or not to keep them on the court.
—The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
Using Taylor Swift as the impetus for teaching important concepts increases attention, learning, and retention.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
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 1 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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