'Retriever' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'retrieven,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'trouver' meant 'to find.'

'retrieven' transformed into the modern English word 'Retriever' through the influence of Old French 'retrouver.'

Initially, it meant 'to find again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a dog trained to retrieve game.'