retriever

[ri-tree-ver]

noun

1. a person or thing that retrieves.

2. one of any of several breeds of dogs having a coarse, thick, oily coat, trained to retrieve game.

3. any dog trained to retrieve game.

retriever

/ rɪˈtriːvə /

noun

1. one of a breed of large gun dogs that can be trained to retrieve game See golden retriever Labrador retriever Chesapeake Bay retriever curly-coated retriever flat-coated retriever

2. any dog used to retrieve shot game

3. a person or thing that retrieves

Word History and Origins

Origin of retriever¹

First recorded in 1480–90; retrieve + -er ¹

Example Sentences

More recently, on June 14, 2025, Melissa Hortman, speaker emerita of the Minnesota House of Representatives, was shot and killed at her home, along with her husband and their golden retriever.

From Salon

It was reported that she once threw her handbag at a director who failed to get a close up of Goldie, the programme's golden retriever.

From BBC

Taylor Brumm’s golden retriever, Ginger, had turned a year old just days before she suddenly died Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

If Labrador retrievers could speak, that question would likely comprise at least 40% of their thoughts.

From Los Angeles Times

After stopping at the amenities table for fresh water, towels and doggie sunscreen, Dug tussled with another golden retriever, Bubbles, who was wearing a Goyard collar from Paris.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beagle