attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf

especially : lawyer

attorneyship

ə-ˈtər-nē-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of attorney

• deputy
• representative
• delegate
• agent
• manager
• minister

Examples of attorney in a Sentence

talked to the count's attorney about buying land from his estate

finished law school and became an attorney

Recent Examples on the Web

His work as an attorney was focused on government waste and fraud. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

His defense attorneys worked to challenge the evidence and its collection, providing a window into what could become part of d4vd’s defense strategy if the case goes to trial. — Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

The nearly 30 plaintiffs are represented by 11 attorneys from five law firms. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Entire categories of objections routinely raised by experienced defense attorneys were never made. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attourney, from Anglo-French aturné, past participle of aturner — see attorn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing attorney

• attorney-at-law
• attorney general
• court-appointed attorney
• district attorney
• power of attorney
• prosecuting attorney
• state's attorney

Rhymes for attorney

• mcburney
• burnie
• gurney
• journey
• tourney

Kids Definition

attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: a person who is appointed to conduct business for another

especially : lawyer

Legal Definition

attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: a person authorized to act on another's behalf

especially : lawyer see also attorney-in-fact

Etymology

Anglo-French atorné legal representative, from past participle of atorner to designate, appoint, from Old French, to prepare, arrange see attorn