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

If a dispute arises − such as contesting a will or trust or alleging breach of fiduciary duty − costs can spiral into the tens of thousands of dollars, lawyers said. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026

Heather recognized Mindi because Mindi was married to Heather's ex-husband, Nick Kassotis, a Naval officer — a lawyer in JAG, the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

But Slusser's lawyer, Bill Bock, is optimistic his side will prevail in those charges. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026

Check with your lawyer first; there may be a strategy for that. —Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 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

• 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