attorney

American  

[uh-tur-nee] / əˈtɜr ni /

noun

plural

attorneys

1. a lawyer; attorney-at-law.

2. an attorney-in-fact; agent.

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attorney British  

/ əˈtɜːnɪ /

noun

1. a person legally appointed or empowered to act for another

2. a lawyer qualified to represent clients in legal proceedings

3. a solicitor

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Other Word Forms

• attorneyship noun
• subattorney noun
• subattorneyship noun

Etymology

Origin of attorney

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French attourne literally, “(one who is) turned to,” i.e., “(one who is) appointed,” past participle of attourner “to attorn ”

Example Sentences

“I made history as the first woman ever to be fired as attorney general,” she said.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

A federal judge later disqualified Essayli as acting U.S. attorney, finding he was “not lawfully serving” in the top role.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Blanche’s supporters say his work as a federal prosecutor provided him with valuable experience compared to Bondi, a longtime state prosecutor and former Florida attorney general who also worked as a personal attorney for Trump.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

But their inaction, she said, has effectively confirmed Essayli as U.S. attorney — and highlights “a real weakness in the system” that demands a legislative fix.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

“Back in Brooklyn, when you busted in on the meeting with my attorney, did you ask me if I wanted help?”

From "City Spies" by James Ponti