Definitions
01professional service user
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a person or organization that pays for services from a professional, like a lawyer, accountant, or architect.
n. a person or entity that engages the professional advice or services of another. Often implies a long-term or formal relationship compared to a 'customer'.
“The lawyer met with her client to discuss the new contract details.”
“The architectural firm prides itself on maintaining transparent communication with every client throughout the design and construction phases.”
Pitfall
The shop has many clients every morning.
The shop has many customers every morning.
Use 'customer' for people buying goods in a shop; use 'client' for people paying for professional services or advice.
Teaching tip
In business English, 'client' suggests a more personalized, ongoing relationship than 'customer', which is more transactional.
02computing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a computer or a program that gets information from a central server.
n. a computer system or software application that requests and consumes services provided by a server.
“You need to install the email client on your new laptop to see your messages.”
“The thin-client architecture allows users to access powerful applications hosted on a central server without needing high-end local hardware.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'client-server model'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03ancient Rome
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic
n. in ancient Rome, a person who was protected by a powerful leader in exchange for support.
n. a plebeian who lived under the protection of a patrician patron in ancient Rome.
“The powerful Roman senator was followed by a large group of clients.”
“The social fabric of the Republic relied heavily on the reciprocal duties between the patron and his clients.”
Teaching tip
This sense is strictly for historical contexts and is the origin of the modern word.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “client” in context.
Verb
01. advise client
“Lawyers are responsible for advising clients on their legal rights.”
verb + noun
02. attract client
“The new marketing campaign helped attract clients from the tech sector.”
verb + noun
03. client complains
“If a client complains about the service, we must investigate immediately.”
noun + verb
04. client requests
“The project was modified after the client requested several changes.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. corporate client
“The hotel offers special rates for its corporate clients.”
adj + noun
06. potential client
“We are meeting a potential client this afternoon to discuss the new contract.”
adj + noun
07. prospective client
“The presentation is designed to impress prospective clients.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. base of clients
“The company is working hard to expand its existing base of clients.”
noun + prep + noun
09. list of clients
“The consultant has an impressive list of clients in the fashion industry.”
noun + prep + noun
10. act on behalf of a client
“The solicitor is authorized to act on behalf of the client in court.”
11. build a relationship with a client
“It takes time to build a strong professional relationship with a client.”
12. meet the needs of a client
“Our primary goal is to meet the specific needs of every client.”
Confusables
A customer pays for goods or one-off services, while a client pays for ongoing professional expertise and advice.
RememberCustomer = Commodities. Client = Counsel.
Etymology
From Middle English client, from Anglo-Norman clyent, Old French client, from Latin cliēns, akin to clinare (“to lean”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/client
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0