Dictionary.com

retainer

1
[ ri-tey-ner ]
/ rɪˈteɪ nər /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for retainer 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.
  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.

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
The Sunflower State
The Evergreen State
The Magnolia State
The Mockingbird State
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of retainer

1
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

Definition 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

2
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

Words related to retainer

entourage, fee, cortege, servant, retinue, company, appliance, crew, minion, train, gang, clique, employee, attendant, followers, adherents

Example sentences from the Web for retainer

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 ]

n.

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
See Today's Synonym