clientele

[klahy-uhn-tel, klee-ahn-]

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.

clientele

/ ˌkliːɒnˈtɛl, ˈklaɪəntɪdʒ /

noun

1. customers or clients collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of clientele¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of clientele¹

C16: from Latin clientēla, from cliēns _client

Example Sentences

Worldwide, the percentage of 18 to 34-year-olds opting for cosmetic tweaks is growing, making up nearly a quarter of the clientele.

From BBC

It is a social centre, not just for his community but for an overwhelmingly right-wing and religiously-observant clientele who make special journeys there.

From BBC

What started as a small row of groceries in front of the store quickly grew to include snacking fruits like apples, oranges and berries, and anything the primarily Asian clientele might need for cooking.

From Los Angeles Times

Decades before it became the Andaz West Hollywood, this high-rise hotel earned the nickname “Riot House” due to the rambunctious behavior of its famous clientele.

From Los Angeles Times

The dishes and the prices invited a well-heeled clientele — Charlie Chaplin, Jack Dempsey, Sarah Bernhardt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• audience 
• constituency