# client

/ˈkɫaɪənt/ (US) · /klˈaɪənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/client
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. professional service user

noun · CEFR B1

a person or organization that pays for services from a professional, like a lawyer, accountant, or architect.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: In business English, 'client' suggests a more personalized, ongoing relationship than 'customer', which is more transactional.

### 2. computing

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a computer or a program that gets information from a central server.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. ancient Rome

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

in ancient Rome, a person who was protected by a powerful leader in exchange for support.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The lawyer meets with her new client this morning.
- Our agency works hard to maintain a good relationship with every client to ensure they return for future projects.
- While the firm traditionally served local businesses, their latest client is a multinational corporation seeking specialized legal counsel for its European expansion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.