Synonyms of client
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

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
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.
CoreWeave was a vital client, and even as its Nvidia chips lasted longer than its depreciation , much of the value seemed spoken for. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026 But Doe remained on campus after the university declined to refund her tuition, Giuffra said of his client. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Carla’s law firm, on the other hand, is desperate to cover up that the aforementioned 20-something Henderson cheated on their client with was a honey pot, planted by his wife who wants ammo for her divorce filing. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026 The Origin digital experience leverages blockchain technology to allow clients to follow the diamond’s journey from discovery in the earth to the finished diamond. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for client

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Client.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/client. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a person who uses the professional advice or services of another
2

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