re·tain·er
ri-ˈtā-nər 
2
: one that retains
3
: a device or structure that holds something in place: such as
a
: the part of a dental replacement (such as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
b
: a dental appliance used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment
1
: the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser are engaged
2
: a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed
Synonyms
Examples of retainer in a Sentence
Noun (1)
knights being dressed for battle by their retainers
lifelong civil service retainers
Recent Examples on the Web
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Addis’s firm is currently charging $175 per hour and has proposed a flat retainer of $4,500 per month for both the current and enlarged duties.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2024
Pickford works on a retainer or for between five and ten per cent of the proceeds of any treasure that is recovered.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
My family double-bagged the large ones inside a metal garbage retainer in the kitchen and took them out to the trash barrels when full.
—Chicago Tribune, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retainer 
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Noun
An annual retainer model offering ongoing advice for high earners without assets to manage is a great potential model.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Addis’s firm is currently charging $175 per hour and has proposed a flat retainer of $4,500 per month for both the current and enlarged duties.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2024
Pickford works on a retainer or for between five and ten per cent of the proceeds of any treasure that is recovered.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
My family double-bagged the large ones inside a metal garbage retainer in the kitchen and took them out to the trash barrels when full.
—Chicago Tribune, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retainer
Dictionary Entries Near retainer
Cite this Entry
“Retainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retainer. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retainer
1 of 2 noun
re·tain·er
ri-ˈtā-nər
: a fee paid (as to a lawyer) for advice or services or for a claim upon services in case of need
retainer
2 of 2 noun1
: a servant or follower in a wealthy household
2
: one that retains
3
: a usually removable dental device used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment (as with braces)
called also bite plate
Medical Definition
retainer
noun
re·tain·er
ri-ˈtān-ər
1
: the part of a dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
2
: a dental appliance used to hold teeth in their correct position especially following orthodontic treatment
Legal Definition
retainer
noun
re·tain·er
ri-ˈtā-nər
1
: the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer are engaged
2
: a fee paid to a lawyer for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed
Etymology
Noun
Anglo-French retener act of engaging or employing, from retener, retenir to engage, retain
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