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noun

retainer

rih-TAYN-uh

Retainer (noun) means a fee paid in advance to secure someone's services, especially a lawyer's. Example: “The client paid a monthly retainer to keep the attorney on call.”

noun
1
A fee paid in advance to secure someone's services, especially a lawyer's.
"The client paid a monthly retainer to keep the attorney on call."
2
A dental device worn to keep teeth in place after braces.
"The orthodontist told her to wear the retainer every night."

How to use retainer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an up-front fee that keeps a professional on standby, or a device that holds teeth in position.

Common pairings
pay a retainer wear a retainer

Word forms

retainers plural

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The client paid a monthly _____ to keep the attorney on call.

Related words

Rhymes for retainer

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Frequently asked questions

What does “retainer” mean?

The word “retainer” means a fee paid in advance to secure someone's services, especially a lawyer's. In plain terms, either an up-front fee that keeps a professional on standby, or a device that holds teeth in position.

How do you pronounce “retainer”?

“Retainer” is pronounced rih-TAYN-uh (/ɹɪˈteɪn.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “retainer” in a sentence?

Here is “retainer” used in a sentence: “The client paid a monthly retainer to keep the attorney on call.”

What part of speech is “retainer”?

“Retainer” is a noun.

How many meanings does “retainer” have?

“Retainer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fee paid in advance to secure someone's services, especially a lawyer's.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial