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

Can’t wait to take in all those head-turning outfits, curated by the world’s most talented stylists for their A-list clients? — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

Lojo and a colleague combed through some corridors, looking for clients who might have nestled in remote areas. — Anand Giridharadas, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

One real estate agent in Atlanta offered their client a free week-long vacation in an Airbnb owned by the home’s seller as part of a home-buying deal. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

Lisa Bradford was described as a mentor and the kind of person who turned clients into friends. — Juan Benn Jr, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 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