attorney

noun

at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
plural attorneys
: one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf
especially : lawyer
attorneyship noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Law enforcement, insurance investigators and attorneys are increasingly rely on digital forensics to investigate trucking and vehicle accident incidents. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 In 2019, the jail lost power for eight days in the dead of winter, and in 2021, defense attorneys highlighted complaints of no water or hot food, spotty electricity and low staff levels. John Annese, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025 During the trial, Brittney’s defense attorney told the courtroom that she was inspired in part by the FX television series American Horror Story. Sean Neumann, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025 And as investigations into the origins of the fire continue, civil rights attorney Ben Crump has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Southern California Edison, alleging their mismanagement led to the Eaton Fire. Matt Friedman, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for attorney 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of attorney was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near attorney

Cite this Entry

“Attorney.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attorney. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

attorney

noun
at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
plural attorneys
: a person who is appointed to conduct business for another
especially : lawyer

Legal Definition

attorney

noun
at·​tor·​ney ə-ˈtər-nē How to pronounce attorney (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on attorney

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