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 of client

• customer
• patron
• guest

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 lobbyists helping this recent crop of clients attempt to profit amid the war in Iran are no different. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026

Merritt, who has represented clients including the family of Atatiana Jefferson, discussed the possibility of a lawsuit during a press conference in front of the Hurst City Hall on Tuesday. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

The clients worried about getting back for sailing (which had long passed). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

Krebs alleged that Williams and the same park employee went to the home of a township assistance client to purchase a firearm from the client for cash. —Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for client

• giant
• pliant
• scient
• compliant
• defiant
• reliant
• suppliant
• noncompliant
• supergiant

Kids Definition

client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

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

2

: customer sense 1