Etymology Map
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Client

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person using professional services

Where does the word "client" come from? It comes from Latin cliens, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
cliens
Latin · ancient
"dependant"
a Roman plebeian under the protection of a patron
2
Stage 2 of 3
client
Old French · medieval
"dependant"
later one who hires a lawyer
3
Stage 3 of 3
client
English · 1300s
"dependant"
computing 'client' dates from the 1970s
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Read the full story

Client’s story begins in Latin: cliens meant “dependant.” A Roman plebeian under the protection of a patron. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as client. Later one who hires a lawyer. It reached English by 1300s as client. Computing 'client' dates from the 1970s. Today, client means a person using professional services.