retainer

1 of 2

noun (1)

re·​tain·​er ri-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce retainer (audio)
Synonyms of retainernext
1
a
: a person attached or owing service to a household
especially, old-fashioned : servant
b
: employee
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

Synonyms of retainer

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Noun (1)

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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
The $10,000 is for a retainer for legal representation, North said, and she’s already talked to a lawyer about their concerns. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 This bootstrapped San Jose firm is profitable from day one, securing $20,000-$30,000 monthly retainers from small businesses. — Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 MouthPad is a touchpad that sits over the upper teeth like a slim dental retainer and is controlled with the tip of the tongue. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026 Throughout 2017 Cohen (Lawyer A) submits 10 similar invoices for the remaining months in 2017, but is not on retainer, according to prosecutors. — Jessie Dimartino, ABC News, 29 July 2026 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

Rhymes for retainer

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Browse Nearby Words

retained object
retainer
retaining fee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retainer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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