When someone is retired, they've stopped working at their regular job or career, usually after working for many years. Most people retire when they reach their 60s or 70s, though some retire earlier and others keep working longer. A retired teacher might spend her days gardening, traveling, or volunteering instead of standing at the front of a classroom. A retired firefighter no longer responds to emergency calls but might enjoy hobbies he never had time for during his career.

People usually retire when they've saved enough money to support themselves without a paycheck, often with help from retirement savings or Social Security. The word can also describe things no longer in active use: a retired jersey number in sports means no other player on that team will ever wear it again, usually to honor a legendary athlete.

Retirement doesn't mean someone stops being productive or valuable. Many retired people stay busy with projects, spend more time with family, learn new skills, or help their communities in ways they couldn't when they worked full-time. When someone retires after decades of work, it often means they've earned the freedom to choose how they spend their time.