lawyering

American

[law-yer-ing, loi-er-] / ˈlɔ yər ɪŋ, ˈlɔɪ ər- /

noun

the practice of law; the duties, functions, or skills of a lawyer.

Etymology

Origin of lawyering

First recorded in 1670–80; lawyer + -ing ¹

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.

Although she performed as a hostess in Washington—she preferred it greatly to Albany—she badgered Seward almost constantly to give up politics and settle for a quiet life lawyering in Auburn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

It’s not as though he were testing some novel theory in moot court, or practicing “creative” lawyering, as he claimed in a self-pitying podcast interview.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2024

But it reflects their thinking on parenting, not lawyering.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 31, 2023

I know that’s a bit of armchair lawyering, but I had the same reaction that you did.

From Slate • Oct. 2, 2023

Walter tried to listen politely, but he'd already decided to leave the lawyering to his lawyers.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023