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 of client

• customer
• patron
• guest

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

With some non-citizens no longer eligible for Cal Fresh benefits, Orange County food banks are bracing for an influx of clients. —Michele Gile, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

Other social welfare programs have safety valves to protect weak, incapacitated or disabled clients from being exploited by people in power. —Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

The appeals court denied the request, and the public defender’s client, Kyle Kjoller, was ultimately convicted on several felony firearms charges. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026

The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Jesse O’Hara, said his clients were distraught and heartbroken over the treatment of their baby. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for client

• giant
• pliant
• scient
• compliant
• defiant
• reliant
• suppliant
• noncompliant
• supergiant

Kids Definition

client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

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

2

: customer sense 1