client

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person or company that pays for the services of a professional such as a lawyer or accountant.

   The lawyer met with her client to discuss the case.

2. 2
   noun

   A customer who buys goods or services.

   The shop sends special offers to its regular clients.

3. 3
   noun

   A computer program or device that requests services from a server.

   You need an email client to read your messages.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Client was borrowed in late Middle English from both French and Latin. It initially meant a person dependent on another or under that person’s protection, reflecting the Roman and later feudal relationship, while French also supplied the sense “someone who employs a legal adviser.” The broader meaning “customer of a professional” developed in the mid-19th century.

From Middle English client, from Anglo-Norman clyent, Old French client, from Latin cliēns, akin to clinare (“to lean”).

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary