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 ; see retain

Explanation

A retainer is something that holds something else in place. After your braces are removed, a retainer keeps your teeth from moving out of their new perfect position. Professionals like lawyers or consultants are paid a retainer, which is a fee. The retainer ensures that they will be available to work for you when you need them. You will often pay an hourly rate on top of the retainer once the lawyer or consultant has worked enough hours for you to use up the retainer fee you paid.

Example Sentences

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

There was no retainer agreement or engagement letter governing Geragos’ relationship to either Franklin or Avenatti, his defense attorney Macias said during closing arguments Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2025

"In the American version, it's a very expensive format, having a writers' room and keeping a cast of actors on retainer, essentially, the whole time. That's really expensive," Lewis told BBC Radio 4's PM programme.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2025

He also insisted that his client only ever paid Cohen for his legal work, subject to a retainer that was never documented.

From Salon • May 29, 2024

Shortly before Seabiscuit’s final prep race, the San Antonio, Pollard learned that Howard had sent a $500 retainer check to jockey Buddy Haas, asking him to come west.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand