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.
The arms must extend like golf ball retrievers to rush the passer. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 May 2026 Benny is a 2-year-old golden-retriever mix with a contagious smile. — Zuri Primos june 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 Well, the Book of Job left me troubled, but that golden-retriever analogy has fixed things! — Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 Flying cows, fiddle-playing cats, and chuckling retrievers inhabit the space between ornate columns. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026 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

See All Rhymes for retriever

Browse Nearby Words

retrievement
retriever
retrim
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retriever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retriever. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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