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

Limited legal pathways to return Jennie Pasquarella, with the Seattle Clemency Project, is Tran's attorney and successfully gained her release earlier this year from a detention center in Seattle. —Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

During the hearing, the father’s attorney described concerns about teen drinking on the cruise, which Hudson's counsel disputed. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

That may differ for part-time, temporary or probationary employees, so attorneys advise confirming eligibility for holiday pay ahead of working a holiday shift. —Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 25 Nov. 2025

The hotel's attorney, however, argues the business is being targeted. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025

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