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noun

retinue

REH-tih-nyoo

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

Word forms

retinues plural

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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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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial