retainer

¹ American  

[ri-tey-ner] / rɪˈteɪ nər /

noun

1. a person or thing that retains.

2. a servant or attendant who has served a family for many years.

3. Also called cage, separator.  Machinery. a ring separating, and moving with, balls or rollers in a bearing.

4. Orthodontics.

   1. a fixed or removable device worn in the mouth to hold the teeth in their new position during the adaptive period after straightening appliances have been removed.

   2. Prosthodontics. a part on a bridge or the like by which the bridge is attached to the natural teeth.

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retainer ² American  

[ri-tey-ner] / rɪˈteɪ nər /

noun

1. the act of retaining in one's service.

2. the fact of being so retained.

3. a fee paid to secure services, as of a lawyer.

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retainer British  

/ rɪˈteɪnə /

noun

1. history a supporter or dependant of a person of rank, esp a soldier

2. a servant, esp one who has been with a family for a long time

3. a clip, frame, or similar device that prevents a part of a machine, engine, etc, from moving

4. a dental appliance for holding a loose tooth or prosthetic device in position

5. a fee paid in advance to secure first option on the services of a barrister, jockey, etc

6. a reduced rent paid for a flat, room, etc, during absence to reserve it for future use

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Other Word Forms

• retainership noun

Etymology

Origin of retainer¹

First recorded in 1530–40; retain + -er ¹

Origin of retainer²

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English reteinir, probably noun use of Middle French retenir ; retain

Example Sentences

In September, ABC 7 reported that two families were suing a contractor who promised to handle their entire rebuilds, but disappeared after receiving retainer payouts of $33,678 from each family.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Subscription and retainer models offer another path forward, providing clients with ongoing access to expertise and capabilities for a fixed periodic fee.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Cohen said he submitted monthly invoices for a year for legal work he never actually performed, pursuant to a purported retainer agreement that he said did not exist.

From Seattle Times • May 26, 2024

We know they weren’t for legal expenses as posted in the books, or a retainer – and not just because no retainer existed.

From Salon • May 24, 2024

The yearbook group pays him a retainer because he says his time is too valuable to work on puerile and fleeting pursuits like the high school yearbook for free.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon