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.
Some of the most-active dog breeds include Border collies, Australian shepherds, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Siberian huskies, German shepherds, and Belgian Malinois. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Canines across Lake County already are fearful, except those gun-dog types, labradors and retrievers, who seem to sleep through the rocket revelry. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025 If the retriever pulls the wrong information or the generator misinterprets it, hallucinations can still occur. Sagar Gupta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Burns Court Veterinary Care explains that because of their friendly manners, dogs like Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and beagles are the breeds that get along best with cats. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retriever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retriever. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!