thick client: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, IT
Quick answer
What does “thick client” mean?
A networked computer that relies primarily on its own local processing power and storage, with server interaction mainly for data retrieval and updates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A networked computer that relies primarily on its own local processing power and storage, with server interaction mainly for data retrieval and updates.
In client-server architecture, a client (workstation) that performs the bulk of data processing operations locally, rather than relying heavily on a central server. It contrasts with a 'thin client' which depends more on server-side resources. The term often implies robust local hardware and software installation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Fat client' is slightly more common in informal US IT contexts.
Connotations
Neutral-to-positive in technical contexts, implying power and capability. Can be slightly negative in cloud-centric discussions where minimal local footprint is preferred.
Frequency
Moderate and stable in IT literature; less common in general business English.
Grammar
How to Use “thick client” in a Sentence
The [APPLICATION] is a thick client.We migrated from [THIN CLIENT] to a thick client.The architecture uses thick clients for [TASK].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thick client” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The engineering department still prefers a thick client for their CAD software.
- Our legacy system is built on a thick client model, which makes remote updates challenging.
American English
- The new update turns the mobile app into more of a thick client, caching data locally.
- Security policies are different for a thick client versus a browser-based application.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions about IT infrastructure costs, software deployment strategies, and user workstation requirements.
Academic
Computer science papers on network architectures, distributed systems, and software engineering.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation. Might appear in tech support discussions or when choosing software.
Technical
Core term in IT, networking, and software development to describe client-side processing load.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thick client”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thick client”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thick client”
- Using 'thick client' to describe physically bulky hardware (it's about software architecture).
- Confusing with 'client-thick' as an adjective order.
- Misspelling as 'thic client'.
- Using where 'desktop application' or 'local app' would be simpler.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very closely related. Most traditional desktop applications are thick clients, but the term specifically emphasises the architectural relationship to a server. A standalone game with no server connection is just a desktop app, not typically called a thick client.
Traditionally, no. A standard web browser is the quintessential thin client. However, modern web applications using technologies like Service Workers and significant local storage can exhibit 'thick' or 'smart client' behaviours, blurring the line.
Better performance for complex tasks (as processing is local), richer user interfaces, ability to function offline or with poor connectivity, and reduced continual load on central servers.
Higher cost of deployment and maintenance (software must be installed/updated on each device), potential security vulnerabilities on the client machine, less control over the software environment, and hardware dependency.
A networked computer that relies primarily on its own local processing power and storage, with server interaction mainly for data retrieval and updates.
Thick client is usually technical, it in register.
Thick client: in British English it is pronounced /θɪk ˈklaɪənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /θɪk ˈklaɪənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'thick' book full of information vs. a 'thin' summary. A thick client holds and processes lots of data locally, like a thick book holds lots of text.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPUTING RESOURCES ARE PHYSICAL SUBSTANCE (Thin/Thick/Fat).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a thick client?