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noun

retinue

REH-tih-nyoo
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Retinue (noun) means a group of assistants, guards, or followers accompanying an important person. Example: “The queen arrived with a large retinue of servants and guards.”

noun
1
A group of assistants, guards, or followers accompanying an important person.
"The queen arrived with a large retinue of servants and guards."

How to use retinue

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe entourage that travels with someone important.

Common pairings
royal retinue large retinue
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Word forms

Plural
retinues
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The queen arrived with a large _____ of servants and guards.

Etymology

From Old French retenue, "that which is retained," from retenir ("to retain").

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for retinue

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Frequently asked questions

What does “retinue” mean?
The word “retinue” means a group of assistants, guards, or followers accompanying an important person. In plain terms, the entourage that travels with someone important.
How do you pronounce “retinue”?
“Retinue” is pronounced REH-tih-nyoo (/ˈɹɛ.tɪ.n(j)uː/ in IPA).
How do you use “retinue” in a sentence?
Here is “retinue” used in a sentence: “The queen arrived with a large retinue of servants and guards.”
What part of speech is “retinue”?
“Retinue” is a noun.
Where does the word “retinue” come from?
The word “retinue” comes from Old French. From Old French retenue, "that which is retained," from retenir ("to retain").

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