attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf

especially : lawyer

attorneyship

ə-ˈtər-nē-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms

• agent
• assignee
• commissary
• delegate
• deputy
• envoy
• factor
• minister
• procurator
• proxy
• rep
• representative

Examples of attorney in a Sentence

talked to the count's attorney about buying land from his estate

finished law school and became an attorney

Recent Examples on the Web

Even though the county attorney decided not to pursue charges, this did not alter the reaction of the WWE fanbase. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Reactions From Employers And Immigration Attorneys Immigration attorneys say that the State Department announcement has generated interest. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Lead defense attorney John Kautzman then spoke to the jury. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024

The wife of a prominent Georgia attorney has been convicted of killing her husband and burning his body. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attourney, from Anglo-French aturné, past participle of aturner — see attorn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing attorney

• attorney-at-law
• attorney general
• court-appointed attorney
• district attorney
• power of attorney
• prosecuting attorney
• state's attorney

Kids Definition

attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: a person who is appointed to conduct business for another

especially : lawyer

Legal Definition

attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē 

plural attorneys

: a person authorized to act on another's behalf

especially : lawyer see also attorney-in-fact

Etymology

Anglo-French atorné legal representative, from past participle of atorner to designate, appoint, from Old French, to prepare, arrange see attorn