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

• 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 store owner agreed to settle the suit for $15 million in July 2023, attorneys told PEOPLE at the time. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

An attorney for Reynolds said his client was conducting an exit poll, not electioneering. —Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025

He is repped by CAA, Cliff Roberts at Syndicate Entertainment and attorneys Wendy Kirk and Raymond Tramble. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025

His attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition Monday, arguing their client is being unlawfully detained and asking the court for his release. —Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025

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