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

• account
• customer
• guest
• patron
• punter [chiefly British]

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

Stone’s snackable style was by longtime stylist Petra Flannery, whose other client Zoe Saldaña took home best supporting actress for Emilia Perez at the BAFTAs on the same evening. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025

When the Red Sox dispatched officials to California in mid-November for a sit-down with Bregman, the team’s focus had been on another Boras client, Juan Soto. —Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

And even if a client were to commit to a recut—which Martorano says might run north of $1,000 in labor—there’s no guarantee that their bespoke duds will end up fitting as they originally were intended. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2025

Stylist Molly Dickson, who also counts Bella Hadid and Lana Del Rey as clients, dressed Sweeney for the occasion. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 16 Feb. 2025

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

Kids Definition

client

noun

cli·​ent ˈklī-ənt 

1

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

2

: customer sense 1