attorney
Americannoun
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a lawyer; attorney-at-law.
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an attorney-in-fact; agent.
noun
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a person legally appointed or empowered to act for another
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a lawyer qualified to represent clients in legal proceedings
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a solicitor
Other Word Forms
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 ”
Explanation
An attorney is a lawyer. Attorneys sue people, defend people, and serve as experts on the law. When there's any kind of legal issue, attorneys will be involved. They're the legal experts with law degrees who are also known as "lawyers." You'll often find them in court, defending clients or trying to put criminals in jail. Attorneys work for businesses, schools, the government, and individuals. So if you get arrested, need to write a will, or have to hash out a binding contract, an attorney is the person to call.
Vocabulary lists containing attorney
Monster
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Occupations
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Flush
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“But we are surprised both firms didn’t disclose their ongoing litigation with the Texas Attorney General under their conflict-of-interest policies.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
“Global price-fixing cartels strike at the heart of our economic liberty,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
“I knew it! Because he kept me out of jail for years. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, he kept me out of jail.”
From Salon • May 19, 2026
The fund will consist of a five-member commission, four of those appointed by the Attorney General, and will receive $1.776 billion to allow the justice department to settle and pay cases.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
Attorney Fitzgerald’s fingers are steepled and his eyes are fixed on mine.
From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
