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

In court Monday, attorneys for both Maduro and his wife requested that health and medical issues be attended to for their clients. —CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

The brewery and supply store clients include a number of regulars who’ve found a community. —Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

Young’s agents were having conversations with the Hawks, who sit at 17-21 so far this season, about trading their client out of Atlanta. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026

When he was hired, Dior said Baretzki would be responsible for retail performance, the Dior Academy, wholesale and hospitality, and retail development in addition to co-management of digital and omnichannel, plus client development. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 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

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

Kids Definition

client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

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

2

: customer sense 1