client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt How to pronounce client (audio)
1
: one that is under the protection of another : dependent
a first-rate power, able to defend her political clients in central and eastern EuropeW. 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
clientage noun
cliental adjective
clientless adjective

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 Existing Curtis Brown Group clients, ranging from comedians to thought leaders, will be brought together under the inaugural U&E umbrella, which will also enable acting clients the chance to break out into new areas and explore unscripted and entertainment opportunities. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Test pilots would follow to orbit, before the company flies wealthy clients around the moon and back. By marcia Dunn, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 The father of four remained a fixture at the Milwaukee Justice Center, which serves about 10,000 clients each year in brief legal advice clinics. Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 An attorney for Vista Property Holdings said his client had no comment on the application change or the review now under way for the new partner. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 If a client is willing to pay handsomely, someone can be found who will do their bidding. Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 12 Mar. 2024 Related Articles In a statement to this news organization, Waters’ attorney Steven Clark emphasized his client had no prior criminal record and reiterated the impact of the vehicle burglary two days before the shooting. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Cheney followed her mother into the business, who began doing hair systems because so many of her clients came to her unhappy with their transplant results. John Ortved, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 One of Larson’s clients couldn’t get her three daughters to organize their rooms. Annie Midori Atherton, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of client was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near client

Cite this Entry

“Client.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/client. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

client

noun
cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt How to pronounce client (audio)
1
: a person who uses the professional advice or services of another
2

More from Merriam-Webster on client

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!