retinue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; literary
Quick answer
What does “retinue” mean?
A group of people accompanying and serving an important person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of people accompanying and serving an important person.
The group of attendants, servants, advisors, or followers in the service or company of a high-ranking individual, such as a monarch, aristocrat, or celebrity. It implies a degree of subordination and ceremonial or protective function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. More frequently encountered in British media in historical or royal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes formality and often an old-fashioned or ceremonial atmosphere.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to coverage of royalty and historical narratives.
Grammar
How to Use “retinue” in a Sentence
[Person/Title] + VERB + (with) + a + ADJ + retinueThe retinue + VERB + of + [Person]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically to mock a CEO who travels with an excessively large team: 'The CEO arrived with his full retinue of consultants.'
Academic
Common in historical, political science, and literary studies to describe the courts and followers of rulers.
Everyday
Very rare. Used humorously or sarcastically: 'My mum came shopping with her full retinue—me, my sister, and the dog.'
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retinue”
- Using it for a group of friends (incorrect: hierarchy missing).
- Pronouncing it as /rɪˈtaɪnjuː/ (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is often used humorously or critically to imply their team is excessively large or subservient, evoking an archaic, royal image.
They are largely synonymous. 'Retinue' is more formal and historical/literary, often implying official duty. 'Entourage' is more modern and can apply to celebrities and their friends/staff.
No, a retinue can be small (e.g., 'a retinue of two aides'), but the word often suggests a certain scale or impressiveness.
It is generally neutral-descriptive but can carry negative connotations of extravagance, elitism, or being out-of-touch when used in modern contexts.
A group of people accompanying and serving an important person.
Retinue is usually formal; literary in register.
Retinue: in British English it is pronounced /ˈret.ɪ.njuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈret.ə.nuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “...and his/her/their retinue”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The king RETURNs to his palace with his retinue.' Focus on the 'returns' part to remember the 'ret-' beginning and the 'following' concept.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A MAGNETIC CENTER / A LEADER IS A CENTER WITH ORBITING SATELLITES.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'retinue' most appropriate?