clientele

American  

[klahy-uhn-tel, klee-ahn-] / ˌklaɪ ənˈtɛl, ˌkli ɑn- /

noun

1. the clients or customers, as of a professional person or shop, considered collectively; a group or body of clients.

   This jewelry store has a wealthy clientele.

2. dependents or followers.

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clientele British  

/ ˌkliːɒnˈtɛl, ˈklaɪəntɪdʒ /

noun

1. customers or clients collectively

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Etymology

Origin of clientele

1555–65; < Latin clientēla, equivalent to client- ( client ) + -ēla collective noun suffix; clientele ( def. 1 ) probably < French clientèle < Latin

Example Sentences

Luxury once relied on small, enclosed boutiques designed for an exclusive clientele.

From The Wall Street Journal

Green’s image of families stripped to the bones with mid-six-figure or even high five-figure incomes feels like something conjured up by an asset manager with a distinctly affluent clientele, which is what he is.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood is a private, members-only enclave that attracts a celebrity clientele.

From Los Angeles Times

He seems to have taken it not as a critique but as a field guide to the clientele he sought; he reread the book regularly throughout his life.

From The Wall Street Journal

Harnett found an enthusiastic clientele among merchants and industrialists who appreciated his male themes and appealing arrangements; they proudly hung his works in offices, stores and saloons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• audience
• constituency