attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf

especially : lawyer

attorneyship

ə-ˈtər-nē-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of attorney

• deputy
• representative
• delegate
• agent
• manager
• minister

Examples of attorney in a Sentence

talked to the count's attorney about buying land from his estate

finished law school and became an attorney

Recent Examples on the Web

The National Lawyers Guild boasted of giving attorney referrals and representation to around 20,000 arrestees from George Floyd demonstrations in 2020. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Nov. 2026

The attorney noted that immediately after the midterm elections last week, lawmakers such as Garcia accompanied their warnings of upcoming investigations with Instagram posts that received media attention and thousands of reshares. — Pranshu Verma The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

In August attorneys for the state argued in front of the appeals panel that Morales Howard demanded more than the Constitution requires and pushed back against her understanding of what information a termination notice is required to include. — Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Major law enforcement bodies like the Cook County state’s attorney’s office are dedicating more people and money to cases that get reported. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attourney, from Anglo-French aturné, past participle of aturner — see attorn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing attorney

• attorney-at-law
• attorney general
• court-appointed attorney
• district attorney
• power of attorney
• prosecuting attorney
• state's attorney

Rhymes for attorney

• mcburney
• burnie
• gurney
• journey
• tourney

Kids Definition

attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: a person who is appointed to conduct business for another

especially : lawyer

Legal Definition

attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: a person authorized to act on another's behalf

especially : lawyer see also attorney-in-fact

Etymology

Anglo-French atorné legal representative, from past participle of atorner to designate, appoint, from Old French, to prepare, arrange see attorn