retention
noun
re·ten·tion
| \ ri-ˈten(t)-shən
\
\
Definition of retention
1a
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
b
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2a
: 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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
With a recent Android update fully rolled out, the company is seeing improvements in Snapchat usage, including a 10 percent increase in the retention rate for people who open the app for the first time. — Natalie Jarvey, The Hollywood Reporter, "Snapchat Ends Growth Slump, Adds 13 Million New Users," 23 July 2019 Brewer Ryan Mihm said getting the oil, which can interfere with head retention on beer, to play nicely with the water in the beer was a trick accomplished by diluting the oil in water before using it. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, "Finnegans’ hemp oil beer is the first of its kind in Minnesota — and it’s good," 25 June 2019 As for freshness, the 10-days-from-cutting promise should help with needle retention, but species selection is probably more important. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, Vox, "Amazon will deliver live Christmas trees this year. 5 Christmas tree experts weigh in.," 14 Sep. 2018 The spas are also offering training for hot stone and Himalayan Salt treatments, as well as wage bumps of 5% to 7% for therapists to aid with retention. — Sarah Chaney, WSJ, "Strong Economy Drove Wages Higher in August as Hiring Heats Up," 7 Sep. 2018 Germany are looking to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups, with a successful retention in Russia taking Die Mannschaft level with the South American giants on five World Cup triumphs. — SI.com, "Leroy Sane Parades New Look in German Training Ahead of the World Cup This Summer," 26 May 2018 Invest Aurora is involved with both business retention and outreach to new business. — Steve Lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Invest Aurora leader says business booming in the city," 30 Mar. 2018 The Warmline program, now in it’s second year, has helped with retention. — Grace Donnelly, Fortune, "Intel's 2017 Diversity Report Shows Progress Is Slowest With African American Employees," 30 Mar. 2018 The ducks almost certainly came from a nearby retention pond, where a flock of two dozen swim safely, protected by a chain-link fence that keeps predators out. — Stephen Hudak, orlandosentinel.com, "Apopka man squawks about code violation for chickens: ‘They’re not mine’," 25 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retention.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for retention
retention
noun
English Language Learners Definition of retention
formal
: the act of keeping someone or something
: the act of keeping extra liquid, heat, etc., inside the body
: the ability to keep something
See the full definition for retention in the English Language Learners Dictionary
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
| \ ri-ˈten-shən
\
\
Kids Definition of retention
1
: the act of continuing to possess, control, or hold
moisture retention
2
: the power or ability to keep or hold something
memory retention
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
| \ ri-ˈten-chən
\
\
Medical Definition of retention
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
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retention
noun
re·ten·tion
| \ ri-ˈten-chən
\
\
Legal Definition of retention
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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