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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- retainers
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The client paid a monthly _____ to keep the attorney on call.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for retainer
See all rhymes for retainer →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.
