retriever

noun

re·​triev·​er ri-ˈtrē-vər How to pronounce retriever (audio)
: one that retrieves
especially : a dog of any of several breeds having a heavy water-resistant coat and used especially for retrieving game

Examples of retriever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These include basset hounds; beagles; bulldogs; cavalier king Charles spaniels; collies; golden retrievers; Labrador retrievers; papillons; and pugs. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 Obesity Genes and Brain Pathways Researchers from the University of Cambridge analyzed different genes within British Labrador retrievers. — Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are also pet parents to Pula, a Labrador retriever, and chickens. — Janine Henni, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025 His arms extend like golf ball retrievers to snatch one-handed passes. — Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retriever

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retriever was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing retriever

Rhymes for retriever

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Browse Nearby Words

retrievement
retriever
retrim
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Cite this Entry

“Retriever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retriever. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

retriever

noun
re·​triev·​er ri-ˈtrē-vər How to pronounce retriever (audio)
: one that retrieves
especially : a dog (as a golden retriever) of any of several breeds having a heavy water-resistant coat and used especially for retrieving game

More from Merriam-Webster on retriever

Nglish: Translation of retriever for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retriever

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