retriever

noun

re·​triev·​er ri-ˈtrē-vər How to pronounce retriever (audio)
: one that retrieves
especially : a dog of any of several breeds having a heavy water-resistant coat and used especially for retrieving game

Examples of retriever in a Sentence

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.
Ideal avalanche dogs are medium-sized with a high drive to hunt, often retrievers, shepherds, or collies. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026 The golden retriever and Labrador retrievers, popular pets who have never won Best in Show, were fan favorites, as were a Sussex spaniel named Goober and one of the Best in Show competitors, an Old English sheepdog named Graham. Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026 But it isn’t limited to one type of canine — veterinarians also see happy tail syndrome in larger, high-energy breeds such as Labrador retrievers, Dalmatians and Great Danes, according to the American Kennel Club. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026 Other breeds among the gifted dogs that participated in the study were a German shepherd, a Labrador retriever, a miniature Australian shepherd, a Blue Heeler and Australian Shepherd mix. Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retriever

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retriever was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Retriever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retriever. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

retriever

noun
re·​triev·​er ri-ˈtrē-vər How to pronounce retriever (audio)
: one that retrieves
especially : a dog (as a golden retriever) of any of several breeds having a heavy water-resistant coat and used especially for retrieving game

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