Definition of 'retainer'

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retainer

(rɪteɪnəʳ

)

Word forms: plural retainers

1. countable noun

A retainer is a fee that you pay to someone in order to make sure that they will be available to do work for you if you need them to.

I'll need a five-hundred-dollar retainer.

Liz was being paid a regular monthly retainer.

Synonyms: fee, advance, deposit, partial payment More Synonyms of retainer

2. countable noun

A servant who has been with one family for a long time can be referred to as a retainer.

[old-fashioned]

I found the gardener, a family retainer, morosely surveying the scene.

More Synonyms of retainer

retainer in British English

(rɪˈteɪnə

)

noun

1. 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

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retainer in American English 1

(rɪˈteɪnər )

noun

a person or thing that retains

a person serving another, esp. someone of rank; servant, attendant, adherent, etc.

any of several devices used to retain; specif.,

a groove, frame, etc. within which roller bearings are held

a device designed to hold teeth in position after they have been adjusted by orthodontics

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retainer in American English 2

(rɪˈteɪnər )

noun lawOrigin: ME reteyner: see retain & -er (sense 3)

the act of engaging the services of a lawyer, consultant, etc.

a fee paid in advance to make such services available when needed

Idioms:

on retainer

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retainer in American English 1

(rɪˈteinər)

noun

a person or thing that retains

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. Dentistry

a. (in 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

b. (in prosthodontics)

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

Derived forms

retainership

noun

Word origin

[1530–40; retain + -er1]

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retainer in American English 2

(rɪˈteinər)

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

Word origin

[1425–75; late ME reteinir, prob. n. use of MF retenir to retain]

Examples of 'retainer' in a sentence
retainer

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Match fees should be raised and the retainer reduced.If anything goes wrong the client can claim against the solicitors for breach of the retainer or negligence.His clients pay him an annual retainer, then he charges by the hour for specific jobs.One offered to move in with me at the Ski Chalet for a discounted monthly retainer.The consultancy already has some 14 clients, on retainer or project fees.The missing money is said to have included the composer's 15,000 annual retainer for his royal duties.They'll pay a 75,000 retainer.Like many other small businesses, she also pays a monthly retainer to secure IT support services.