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

Moe DeWitt is an Orlando personal injury attorney who successfully litigated cases that involved DAVID abuse and helped lead to a law overhauling access to the system five years ago. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

But Scott’s attorneys argue that Laci did know about the purchase. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

McWilliams, the defense attorney, told CNN the speed and scale of the escalation surrounding what happened was troubling. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

His defense attorney sought to reduce his $2 million bond, citing a recent debilitating disease diagnosis. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 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