retiring

/ɹəˈtaɪ(ə)ɹɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: retirings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

introverted, liking privacy and seclusion.

Adjective

Examples

I don't really know him well, since he's so shy and retiring.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

retirement

Noun

Examples

One day of those his retirings ^([sic]), giving out that he was sick, his father Antigonus came on the sudden to visit him, and met a fair dainty youth coming out of his chamber.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “retiring” mean?

introverted, liking privacy and seclusion.

Is “retiring” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.