# clientele

/ˌkɫaɪənˈtɛɫ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clientele
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the group of people who regularly use a business or professional service. You use this word when talking about all the customers of a shop, restaurant, or lawyer as a single group.

For teachers: the collective body of customers or clients of a business, professional person, or institution. Often used with a collective singular verb, though it refers to a group of individuals.

## Examples

- The restaurant has a very loyal clientele.
- The boutique's high-end clientele expects personalized service and exclusive access to new collections.
- By shifting its marketing strategy toward younger professionals, the firm successfully diversified its clientele and reduced its dependence on a few aging accounts.

## Usage notes

- Usually takes a singular verb; often modified by adjectives like 'loyal', 'wealthy', or 'diverse'.

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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.