attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
plural attorneys
Synonyms of attorneynext
: one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf
especially : lawyer
attorneyship
ə-ˈtər-nē-ˌship How to pronounce attorney (audio)
noun

Synonyms of attorney

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After attorneys are paid, the remaining funds will be distributed to impacted customers. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026 But Swift will want that right carved out in her prenuptial agreement to avoid potential heartache, according to multiple family attorneys. — Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Kriston was released from jail at a June 26 court appearance, but ordered to stay at home except for court, attorney meetings, or doctors appointments, records show. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 James Wilson, a prominent attorney, best illustrates that evolution. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for attorney

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of attorney was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing attorney

Rhymes for attorney

See All Rhymes for attorney

Browse Nearby Words

attorn
attorney
attorney-at-law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attorney.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attorney. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

attorney

noun
at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
plural attorneys
: a person who is appointed to conduct business for another
especially : lawyer

Legal Definition

attorney

noun
at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on attorney

Nglish: Translation of attorney for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about attorney

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