# solicitor

/səˈɫɪsətɝ/ (US) · /səlˈɪsɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/solicitor
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. salesperson

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

a person who goes from place to place trying to sell products or ask for donations.

For teachers: an individual who seeks to obtain business orders, advertising, or charitable contributions, often through door-to-door or cold-calling methods.

- The sign on the office door said 'No Solicitors' to stop people from selling things.
- The local ordinance requires all door-to-door solicitors to register with the police department before contacting residents for donations.

Usage: Commonly seen in the phrase 'No Solicitors' on signs.

Teaching tip: In American English, this is the most common everyday meaning. In British English, using 'solicitor' for a salesperson is rare and might cause confusion with the legal profession.

### 3. government legal officer

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Formal

the chief lawyer for a city or a government department.

For teachers: the chief law officer of a municipality, county, or government department responsible for civil legal matters.

- The city solicitor reviewed the new contract before the mayor signed it.
- The Solicitor General represents the federal government of the United States before the Supreme Court.

## Examples

- I need to see a solicitor about buying a house.
- The family hired a solicitor to handle the legal paperwork for their new business venture.
- While the solicitor managed the initial negotiations and evidence gathering, a barrister was eventually instructed to present the case before the High Court.

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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.