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

• account
• customer
• guest
• patron
• punter [chiefly British]

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

Diane is highly attractive to her clients, both as an advocate of the natural, self-sustaining and trendy gardening practice known as permaculture and as an object of physical desire. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025

This kind of leadership builds loyalty not just from your team but also from your clients. —Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025

Apple, with its cutting-edge designs and perfectionism, was a pretty fussy and demanding client. —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025

Alama also designs jewelry with colored diamonds and other high-end pieces for private clients, including many who have been loyal to his mother for 20 years. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 June 2025

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