retinue
What does "retinue" mean?
A retinue refers to a group of advisers, assistants, or servants accompanying an important person. Think of a historical king traveling with his heralds, guards, and scribes, or a modern celebrity moving through an airport surrounded by managers, stylists, and security. It implies a sense of status and the idea that the central figure is never truly alone. The word is formal and carries a slight air of grandeur or self-importance. While it is often used for historical figures or royalty, it is frequently used today to describe the "entourage" of a high-profile public figure. It is rarely used for casual friends; it specifically suggests a hierarchy where the group exists to support or attend to the needs of the leader.
"retinue" in conversation
Backstage at a concert
The fans are getting restless, we need to move.
The fans are getting restless, we need to move.
Tell the retinue to gather at the side exit.
Tell the retinue to gather at the side exit.
Used here to refer to the artist's professional support team.
Watching a period drama
Who is that man following the Queen?
Who is that man following the Queen?
That is just a minor member of her retinue.
That is just a minor member of her retinue.
Used in a historical context to denote the Queen's official attendants.
"retinue" in a sentence
The CEO traveled with a small retinue of assistants.
The CEO traveled with a small retinue of assistants.
The visiting dignitary arrived at the palace with a vast retinue in tow.
The visiting dignitary arrived at the palace with a vast retinue in tow.
She felt suffocated by the constant presence of her retinue, longing for a moment of genuine solitude.
She felt suffocated by the constant presence of her retinue, longing for a moment of genuine solitude.
