noun
retainer
rih-TAYN-uh
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
Word Forms
retainers plural
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The client paid a monthly _____ to keep the attorney on call.