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

An immigration attorney representing the man's family identified him as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan man. — Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026

Some medical professionals have a reputation among attorneys as more defense-friendly, and prosecutors should know better than to pick them even before trial, Stimson told the Washington Examiner. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026

But immigration attorneys say release may simply mean continuing court proceedings outside detention before deportation. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Fox attorneys also accused executives at both Dominion and Smartmatic of destroying evidence in their respective cases, and sought sanctions. — Maddy Lauria, NPR, 20 Sep. 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