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

• advocate
• attorney
• attorney-at-law
• counsel
• counselor
• counsellor
• counselor-at-law
• legal eagle

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

His own lawyer is being investigated for criminal conduct directly related to her work as his attorney. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025

Stanley also has the backing of the Justice Department, which is joining her lawyers in arguing on her behalf in Monday’s oral arguments. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025

Thadeus is careful not to communicate disappointment to the estate lawyer. —Han Ong, The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2025

The former Trump lawyer was the go-between, passing the payments to Daniels on his then boss' behalf. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

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

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