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
W. W. Kulski2
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
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
Synonyms
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
On Thursday, Sibley told the judge that his client would not be testifying.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2023
Gilbert’s attorney, Anthony Salerno, said his client has no prior criminal record and got caught up in the scheme.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Dec. 2023
In recent days, the National Research Group has been presenting its takeaways from 2023 and forecast for 2024 to clients, which include all the top Hollywood studios.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Dec. 2023
Although many of his clients are still waiting until mortgage rates fall even more, Mike Hardy, a managing partner at Churchill Mortgage, tells Fortune his firm is starting to see more activity and interest.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2023
The fight in the Bronx about a faraway war could have concrete consequences for the nearly 20,000 clients whom the Defenders represent annually in eviction proceedings, child custody matters and criminal cases, among other matters.
—Jonah E. Bromwich, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023
Washington — The jury in the defamation trial against Rudy Giuliani began deliberations on Thursday after the lawyer for two Georgia election workers said in closing arguments that his two clients should each be awarded $24 million.
—Robert Legare, CBS News, 14 Dec. 2023
The motion would have tested whether privilege exists between a deceased client, who never waived that privilege but who confessed to the crime in a suicide note.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2023
Some clients, like the McLellans, want help with daily tasks.
—Stacey Lastoe, Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2023
See More
Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2023
Gilbert’s attorney, Anthony Salerno, said his client has no prior criminal record and got caught up in the scheme.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Dec. 2023
In recent days, the National Research Group has been presenting its takeaways from 2023 and forecast for 2024 to clients, which include all the top Hollywood studios.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Dec. 2023
Although many of his clients are still waiting until mortgage rates fall even more, Mike Hardy, a managing partner at Churchill Mortgage, tells Fortune his firm is starting to see more activity and interest.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2023
The fight in the Bronx about a faraway war could have concrete consequences for the nearly 20,000 clients whom the Defenders represent annually in eviction proceedings, child custody matters and criminal cases, among other matters.
—Jonah E. Bromwich, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023
Washington — The jury in the defamation trial against Rudy Giuliani began deliberations on Thursday after the lawyer for two Georgia election workers said in closing arguments that his two clients should each be awarded $24 million.
—Robert Legare, CBS News, 14 Dec. 2023
The motion would have tested whether privilege exists between a deceased client, who never waived that privilege but who confessed to the crime in a suicide note.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2023
Some clients, like the McLellans, want help with daily tasks.
—Stacey Lastoe, Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'client.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing client
Dictionary Entries Near client
Cite this Entry
“Client.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/client. Accessed 22 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
client
noun
cli·ent
ˈklī-ənt 
1
: a person who uses the professional advice or services of another
2
More from Merriam-Webster on client
Nglish: Translation of client for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of client for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about client
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