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

Despite those challenges, Johnson worked diligently for her clients, her mother said. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024

According to Elder, his client filed a police report with the Warren police department earlier this week, and that the case is under investigation for potential criminal charges. —Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 19 Apr. 2024

The teen's lawyer, Clyde Bennett, said his client had unknowingly consumed drugs just before the attack and that the drugs prompted a change in his behavior. —The Enquirer, 19 Apr. 2024

She is dedicated to providing personalized skincare solutions that enhance the natural beauty and confidence of her clients. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024

After waiving a right to a jury trial, Sanders’ attorney reportedly claimed that his client had acted in self-defense. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024

Thug’s attorney Brian Steel denies the charges against his client, who pleaded not guilty. —Herb Scribner, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

Mental health support and even street medicine for services-resistant clients can be covered by the money. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024

In a rare and unconventional request, defense attorney Shannon Smith has offered to let her client live in her guest house — on a tether — to spare her from going to prison. —Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 7 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

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

2

: customer sense 1