client

cli·ent

noun \ˈklī-ənt\

Definition of CLIENT

1

: one that is under the protection of another : dependent

2

a : a person who engages the professional advice or services of another <a lawyer's clients>

b : customer <hotel clients>

c : a person served by or utilizing the services of a social agency <a welfare client>

d : a computer in a network that uses the services (as access to files or shared peripherals) provided by a server

3

: client state

— cli·ent·age \-ən-tij\ noun

— cli·en·tal \klī-ˈen-t^əl, ˈklī-ən-\ adjective

— cli·ent·less \ˈklī-ənt-ləs\ adjective

Examples of CLIENT

1. The accountant is meeting with another client right now, but she'll be able to see you later this afternoon.
2. <a law firm soliciting new clients through television advertising>

Origin of CLIENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French client, from Latin client-, cliens; perhaps akin to Latin clinare to lean — more at lean

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CLIENT

Synonyms

account, customer, guest, patron, punter [chiefly British]

Related Words

consumer, end user, user; buyer, correspondent, purchaser, vendee; browser, prospect, shopper, window-shopper; bargainer, haggler; regular

Near Antonyms

broker, merchant, seller, vendor (also vender); shopkeeper, tradesman; black marketer (or black marketeer), fence

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

Rhymes with CLIENT

Bryant, giant, pliant, riant