client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

: one that is under the protection of another : dependent

a first-rate power, able to defend her political clients in central and eastern Europe

—W. W. Kulski

2

a

: a person who engages the professional advice or services of another

a lawyer's clients

a personal trainer … enjoyed the challenges of helping clients buff up their bodies.

—S. K. Parks

b

: customer

hotel clients

a restaurant's 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 (such as access to files or shared peripherals) provided by a server

also : software that allows a computer to function as a client in a network

3

: client state

clientage

ˈklī-ən-tij 

noun

cliental

klī-ˈen-tᵊl  ˈklī-ən- 

adjective

clientless

ˈklī-ənt-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

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

Examples of client in a Sentence

The accountant is meeting with another client right now, but she'll be able to see you later this afternoon.

a law firm soliciting new clients through television advertising

Recent Examples on the Web

The attorney also said Innes was not the only one to fire the pellet gun, but prosecutors charged his client more harshly based on the initial information provided to them. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024

Barrett, Macauley’s attorney, argued during the trial that his client was at his Key Largo home with his wife the night of the murders. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024

When an abdominal ultrasound doesn’t provide adequate information, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed with the client’s consent. —Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2024

Any current or former clients of Groth-Hill or her company can ask for their files back by calling the state bar at 415-538-2380. —Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing client

• client state

Kids Definition

client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

: a person who uses the professional advice or services of another

2

: customer sense 1