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

• agent
• assignee
• commissary
• delegate
• deputy
• envoy
• factor
• minister
• procurator
• proxy
• rep
• representative

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

Camp Cops is a collaborative effort involving law enforcement agencies from Hampstead, Mount Airy, Taneytown and Westminster, the county sheriff’s office, and staff from the state’s attorney’s office and the Maryland National Guard. —Lizzy Alspach, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2024

Ivor Pine, a spokesperson for the city attorney’s office, declined to comment on the lawsuit. —Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024

Family, attorneys and supporters have been critical of statements made by police throughout the investigation. —Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 12 July 2024

Hannah Gutierrez Reed — the armorer for the film who was responsible for firearm safety on set — has been called to testify today but will not cooperate, her attorney said. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 12 July 2024

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

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