client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

: one that is under the protection of another : dependent

… a first-rate power, able to defend her political clients in central and eastern Europe.

—W. W. Kulski

2

a

: a person who engages the professional advice or services of another

a lawyer's clients

a personal trainer … enjoyed the challenges of helping clients buff up their bodies.

—S. K. Parks

b

: customer

hotel clients

a restaurant's clients

c

: a person served by or utilizing the services of a social agency

a welfare client

d

: a computer in a network that uses the services (such as access to files or shared peripherals) provided by a server

also : software that allows a computer to function as a client in a network

3

: client state

clientage

ˈklī-ən-tij 

noun

cliental

klī-ˈen-tᵊl  ˈklī-ən- 

adjective

clientless

ˈklī-ənt-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of client

• customer
• patron
• guest

Examples of client in a Sentence

The accountant is meeting with another client right now, but she'll be able to see you later this afternoon.

a law firm soliciting new clients through television advertising

Recent Examples on the Web

Wealthy clients, who pay a premium for privacy, are increasingly frustrated by influencers and reviewrs disrupting their experiences with filming and photo shoots. — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

In December 2022, Beloozerov was hired by Maxar Technologies, which provided satellite imagery to commercial customers, including CNN, and government clients, such as Ukraine and the United States. — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

So far, Biolyz has amassed eight soccer clients across continental Europe, between full-time customers and those testing the service on a trial basis. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Evidence of silence quietly (sorry) breaking apart one’s bearings bleeds through both the main plot thread and satellite storylines, which include recurring visits to a client of Ninh’s and that man’s own conflicts with his distant wife. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French client, from Latin client-, cliens; perhaps akin to Latin clinare to lean — more at lean

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing client

• client state

Rhymes for client

• compliant
• defiant
• reliant
• suppliant
• giant
• pliant
• scient
• noncompliant

Kids Definition

client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

: a person who uses the professional advice or services of another

2

: customer sense 1