barrister

noun

bar·​ris·​ter ˈber-ə-stər How to pronounce barrister (audio)
ˈba-rə-
: a counsel admitted to plead at the bar and undertake the public trial of causes in an English superior court compare solicitor

Examples of barrister in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The prosecution, led by barrister Nanette Rogers, told the court that Patterson had employed four major deceptions in order to murder her guests. Reuters, NBC news, 7 July 2025 Amal Clooney was honored in the Vogue 25 list The Vogue 25 list uplifts women in British society who have made a significant impact Clooney was photographed for her inclusion on the list in a lawyer's robe and barrister's wig Amal Clooney wears her passion for the justice system on her sleeve. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 13 June 2025 Asanka Ratnayake / Getty Images Appearing as a witness for her own defense, Erin Patterson was questioned on Tuesday by her barrister Colin Mandy about a series of expletive-laden messages sent to friends regarding the Patterson family. Reuters, NBC news, 3 June 2025 The human rights barrister wore a body-skimming white Tamara Ralph dress with a corset-like bodice, which was adorned with thousands of pearls of all sizes. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for barrister

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barrester, from barre bar + -ster (as in legister lawyer)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrister was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Barrister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrister. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

barrister

noun
bar·​ris·​ter ˈbar-ə-stər How to pronounce barrister (audio)
1
: a lawyer who argues cases before a British court
especially : one who is allowed to argue before a British high court compare solicitor

Note: Many countries in the Commonwealth (as England and Australia) and the Republic of Ireland divide the legal profession into barristers and solicitors. In Canada, every lawyer is both a barrister and a solicitor, although individual lawyers may describe themselves as one or the other. Scotland uses the term advocate to refer to lawyers allowed to argue cases in its courts.

2
: lawyer
Etymology

Middle English barrester, from barre bar + -ster (as in legister lawyer)

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