retainer

1 of 2

noun (1)

re·​tain·​er ri-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce retainer (audio)
1
a
: a person attached or owing service to a household
especially : servant
b
2
: one that retains
3
: a device or structure that holds something in place: such as
a
: the part of a dental replacement (such as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
b
: a dental appliance used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment

retainer

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser are engaged
2
: a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed

Examples of retainer in a Sentence

Noun (1) knights being dressed for battle by their retainers lifelong civil service retainers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Her quarterly retainer fees range from $20,000 to $50,000, federal lobbying disclosures show. Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024 All of the spending over retainer has been paid, O’Neal added. Lizzy Alspach, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2024 In the escape, Jordy’s mother is also captured by Marder’s forces, leaving only the former king’s faithful retainer, Asbeth, to nurture the boy on his own. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 In this model, patients pay a monthly fee or annual retainer to receive personalized care from a physician. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retainer 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English reteigner, literally, retention, from Anglo-French, from reteigner, verb

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retainer was in 1508

Dictionary Entries Near retainer

Cite this Entry

“Retainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retainer. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

retainer

1 of 2 noun
re·​tain·​er ri-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce retainer (audio)
: a fee paid (as to a lawyer) for advice or services or for a claim upon services in case of need

retainer

2 of 2 noun
1
: a servant or follower in a wealthy household
2
: one that retains
3
: a usually removable dental device used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment (as with braces)

called also bite plate

Medical Definition

retainer

noun
re·​tain·​er ri-ˈtān-ər How to pronounce retainer (audio)
1
: the part of a dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
2
: a dental appliance used to hold teeth in their correct position especially following orthodontic treatment

Legal Definition

retainer

noun
re·​tain·​er ri-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce retainer (audio)
1
: the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer are engaged
2
: a fee paid to a lawyer for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed
Etymology

Noun

Anglo-French retener act of engaging or employing, from retener, retenir to engage, retain

More from Merriam-Webster on retainer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!