retainer

1 of 2

noun (1)

re·​tain·​er ri-ˈtā-nər 

1

a

: a person attached or owing service to a household

especially : 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

Noun (1)

• daily [British]
• domestic
• flunky
• flunkey
• flunkie
• lackey
• menial
• servant
• steward

Examples of retainer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But Cohen has testified there was no retainer and Trump directed the payments to women. —Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

Specifically, it is alleged that Donald Trump made or concerned false business records to hide the true nature of payments to Michael Cohen, by characterizing them as payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a retainer agreement. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Security cameras have picked up images of rats prancing on retainer walls, neighbors say. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024

The group has signed a retainer with the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin for legal representation. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2024

The payments came in monthly retainers starting on Feb. 17, 2016. —The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024

While some professionals — real estate agents, for example — do work on commission, the most common matchmaking business model is a monthly retainer with a success fee. —Angela Chen, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024

Don't be one of them — don a pair of eyewear retainers to keep them attached to you. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2023

There are upsides to the corporate touch: Large corporations are more likely to operate 24/7 property management hotlines and have plumbers and electricians on retainer. —Calmatters, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

retainer

1 of 2 noun

re·​tain·​er ri-ˈtā-nər 

: 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 

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 

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