retaining
/ɹɪˈteɪnɪŋ/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: retainings
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Of or pertaining to something that retains something else, as with a retaining wall.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The act by which something or someone is retained; a retention.
Noun
Examples
All retainings by indenture before that date were declared null and void 'other than to be the household servant or officer or of his [the lord's] council for lawful service done or to be done'.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “retaining” mean?
Of or pertaining to something that retains something else, as with a retaining wall.
Is “retaining” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.