lawyer

noun

law·​yer ˈlȯ-yər  ˈlȯi-ər 

: one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters

lawyerlike

ˈlȯ-yər-ˌlīk 

ˈlȯi-ər-

adjective

lawyerly

ˈlȯ-yər-lē 

ˈlȯi-ər-

adjective

Synonyms of lawyer

• attorney
• advocate
• counselor

Examples of lawyer in a Sentence

their lawyers told them that they couldn't use the park for the concert without permission from the city

Recent Examples on the Web

Haddon-Cave said an interim report would be published within 18 months (at the end of 2024), but lawyers had accepted publishing in 2028 would be more likely. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026

When the probate judge ruled in the family’s favor, the state brought in a lawyer from Attorney General William Tong’s office to try to overturn the decision. — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Hard-driving lawyers tend to be narrow human beings, but Kyl wasn’t. — Lauren Weiner, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026

Patients, their families and lawyers have complained that Kaiser’s private and confidential system of handling medical malpractice complaints is designed to favor the health plan over those bringing the claims. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lawyer

• canon lawyer
• criminal lawyer
• jailhouse lawyer
• lawyer up
• Philadelphia lawyer
• sea lawyer
• trial lawyer

Rhymes for lawyer

• cahier
• sawyer

Kids Definition

lawyer

noun

law·​yer ˈlȯ-yər  ˈlȯi-ər 

: a person whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise about legal rights and obligations

Legal Definition

lawyer

noun

law·​yer ˈlȯ-yər 

: one whose profession is to advise clients as to legal rights and obligations and to represent clients in legal proceedings