retinue

noun

ret·​i·​nue ˈre-tə-ˌnü How to pronounce retinue (audio)
-ˌnyü
: a group of retainers or attendants

Did you know?

Retinue comes via Middle English from the Anglo-French verb retenir, meaning "to retain or keep in one's pay or service." Another retenir descendant is retainer, which has among its meanings "one who serves a person of high position or rank." In the 14th century, such retainers typically served a noble or royal of some kind, and retinue referred to a collection of retainers—that is, the noble's servants and companions. Nowadays, the word retinue is often used with a bit of exaggeration to refer to the assistants, guards, publicists, and other people who accompany a high-profile individual in public. You might also hear such a collection of folks called a suite or entourage, two other words that come from French.

Examples of retinue in a Sentence

the king and his retinue a pop star traveling with his retinue
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.
The sun and its retinue of planets, asteroids and comets have been around for more than 4.5 billion years. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2025 In a sign that Pahlavi and his retinue take the regime threat seriously, on Monday French police made all journalists arrive an hour early and leave their bags in a courtyard for 10 minutes for investigation by a sniffer dog. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 June 2025 They’re supported and sometimes antagonized by a colorful retinue of women, and each actor in the six-woman cast steps forward to steal at least one scene. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 2 June 2025 Every major galaxy like the Milky Way has a retinue of smaller dwarf galaxies orbiting it. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for retinue

Word History

Etymology

Middle English retenue, from Anglo-French, from feminine of retenu, past participle of retenir to retain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retinue was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Retinue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retinue. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

retinue

noun
ret·​i·​nue ˈret-ᵊn-ˌ(y)ü How to pronounce retinue (audio)
: a group of helpers, servants, or followers

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