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

The Justice Department, attorneys for the state and Peltola’s campaign did not immediately return messages seeking comment. — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

He was taken to Monroe County jail and doesn’t have an attorney listed yet. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026

Tappahannock is in the eastern part of Virginia's 1st Congressional District, where the race between long-time Republican incumbent Rob Wittman and Democrat Shannon Taylor, the commonwealth's attorney for Henrico County, has been tight. — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026

Wallace’s attorney and the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church did not immediately respond to requests for comment. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026

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