client
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a person or organization that pays for services from a professional, like a lawyer, accountant, or architect.
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'.
Simple“The lawyer met with her client to discuss the new contract details.”
In context“The architectural firm prides itself on maintaining transparent communication with every client throughout the design and construction phases.”
Teacher's tipIn business English, 'client' suggests a more personalized, ongoing relationship than 'customer', which is more transactional.
PitfallThe 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.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a computer or a program that gets information from a central server.
a computer system or software application that requests and consumes services provided by a server.
Simple“You need to install the email client on your new laptop to see your messages.”
In context“The thin-client architecture allows users to access powerful applications hosted on a central server without needing high-end local hardware.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'client-server model'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
in ancient Rome, a person who was protected by a powerful leader in exchange for support.
a plebeian who lived under the protection of a patrician patron in ancient Rome.
Simple“The powerful Roman senator was followed by a large group of clients.”
In context“The social fabric of the Republic relied heavily on the reciprocal duties between the patron and his clients.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is strictly for historical contexts and is the origin of the modern word.
client vs customer — A customer pays for goods or one-off services, while a client pays for ongoing professional expertise and advice.
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.