attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
plural attorneys
: one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf
especially : lawyer
attorneyship noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lee’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment, and a call to a number listed for Lee was not returned. Bracey Harris, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 The former city attorney proceeded to send an email to the entire council reminding them of the prohibition. Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 The county attorney heads the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, one of the nation's largest prosecutorial agencies. Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 His attorney William Sulton argued during a 20-minute initial appearance that there was no legal basis for the charges and, afterward, accused the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office of bringing the charges to get media attention. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attorney 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of attorney was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near attorney

Cite this Entry

“Attorney.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attorney. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

attorney

noun
at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
plural attorneys
: a person who is appointed to conduct business for another
especially : lawyer

Legal Definition

attorney

noun
at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on attorney

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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