retainer

[ ri-tey-ner ]

/ rɪˈteɪ nər /

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See synonyms for: retainer / retainers on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person or thing that retains.

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

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

Orthodontics.

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

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Origin of retainer

First recorded in 1530–40; retain + -er¹

OTHER WORDS FROM retainer

re·tain·er·ship, noun

Words nearby retainer

retained earnings, retained menstruation, retained object, retained object complement, retained testis, retainer, retainership, retaining ring, retaining wall, retake, retaliate

Other definitions for retainer (2 of 2)

retainer²

[ ri-tey-ner ]

/ rɪˈteɪ nər /

noun

the act of retaining in one's service.

the fact of being so retained.

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

Origin of retainer

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use retainer in a sentence

For freelancers on retainer, managing clients’ expectations while also staying within the bounds of the agreed upon job can be a delicate balance.
‘It can easily spin out of control’: Confessions of a freelance creative on the rise of scope creep|Kristina Monllos|June 10, 2021|Digiday
Asked by an agent whether he had legal representation, Hopkins said Project Veritas had a lawyer on retainer “in case there’s anything that happens.”
Postal Service finds no evidence of mail ballot fraud in Pa. case cited by top Republicans|Jacob Bogage, Shawn Boburg|March 17, 2021|Washington Post
“Well,” he said, “in a joking way, I have to say that either the president should have had the judgment never to get involved with someone like that — or else he should have kept me on permanent retainer.”
Jack Palladino, aggressive sleuth who worked for Bill Clinton campaign, dies at 76|Harrison Smith|February 2, 2021|Washington Post
The lawyer wound up pleading guilty for Howie after she realized that the legal retainer was more than the cost of the ticket.
Those Ticketed for Seditious Language Say Their Only Crime Was Talking Back|Kate Nucci|September 9, 2020|Voice of San Diego

Like any high-powered attorney who charges $100,000 for a retainer, Bolt always seems to be one step ahead of the competition.
Gone Girl’s Biggest Twist Is the Superb Tyler Perry|Alex Suskind|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One of the perks offered by the challenge is help from a list of professionals the foundation will keep on retainer.
Rockefeller Foundation Announces $100 Million Project to Make Cities More Resilient|Miranda Green|May 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
McKesson pays its directors an annual cash retainer of $75,000.
He’s One of the Nation’s Highest-Paid CEOs—and You’ve Never Heard of Him|Gary Rivlin|January 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Is it worth it for these companies to keep stars and their keepers on retainer?
Battle of the Oscar Stylists|Merle Ginsberg|February 20, 2009|DAILY BEAST
"Very well," said the other, handing him a check for twenty-five dollars as a retainer, and straightway left the office.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
It was very annoying—more than ever—to the Elder when he was required to put up twenty-five dollars in cash as a retainer.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
He said with a touch of mock irony: "The sailor shall play his part—the obedient retainer of the house of Devlin."
Mrs. Falchion, Complete|Gilbert Parker
His retainer fees are large; his work is exact; he is a man looked up to by those in the profession following a general practice.
Opportunities in Engineering|Charles M. Horton
It was the custom for each retainer to fit out his men according to his own taste, and at his own expense.
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 2 No 4, October, 1862|Various

British Dictionary definitions for retainer

retainer

/ (rɪˈteɪnə) /

noun

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for retainer

retainer

[ rĭ-tā′nər ]

One that retains, as a device, frame, or groove that restrains or guides, especially for a prosthesis.

An appliance used to hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

retainer

Origin of retainer

OTHER WORDS FROM retainer

Words nearby retainer

Other definitions for retainer (2 of 2)

Origin of retainer

Words related to retainer

How to use retainer in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for retainer

Medical definitions for retainer