lawyer

noun

law·​yer ˈlȯ-yər  ˈlȯi-ər 

: one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters

lawyerlike

ˈlȯ-yər-ˌlīk 

ˈlȯi-ər-

adjective

lawyerly

ˈlȯ-yər-lē 

ˈlȯi-ər-

adjective

Synonyms of lawyer

• attorney
• advocate
• counselor

Examples of lawyer in a Sentence

their lawyers told them that they couldn't use the park for the concert without permission from the city

Recent Examples on the Web

The drug money that funded Davis’ lifestyle has long since dried up, and his defense depends on a lawyer willing to take his case for free. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Ex-judges, lawyers and others will portray the main characters from Hyde’s first trial, which ran from April 11 to May 16, 1910. — Dan Kelly august 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Her father, a former pro football player, was a trusts and estates lawyer in White Plains, New York, where Nancy and her two brothers grew up. — Robert D. McFadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026

The City Attorney's Office has about 160 lawyers, including an Employment Law section with 17 total employees, according to the city. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lawyer

• canon lawyer
• criminal lawyer
• jailhouse lawyer
• lawyer up
• Philadelphia lawyer
• sea lawyer
• trial lawyer

Rhymes for lawyer

• cahier
• sawyer

Kids Definition

lawyer

noun

law·​yer ˈlȯ-yər  ˈlȯi-ər 

: a person whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise about legal rights and obligations

Legal Definition

lawyer

noun

law·​yer ˈlȯ-yər 

: one whose profession is to advise clients as to legal rights and obligations and to represent clients in legal proceedings