thin client: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical, formal (within IT/business contexts)
Quick answer
What does “thin client” mean?
A computer or software that relies heavily on a central server for its computational resources and data storage, performing minimal local processing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A computer or software that relies heavily on a central server for its computational resources and data storage, performing minimal local processing.
In broader IT and business contexts, a system or device designed for low cost, ease of management, and security by offloading most tasks to a centralised server or cloud infrastructure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling follows regional conventions (e.g., centralise/centralize).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in professional IT discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “thin client” in a Sentence
The [organisation] uses thin clients for [purpose].A thin client [function] on the server.Thin client is a model where [explanation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thin client” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The department is planning to thin-client the entire admin suite.
American English
- They decided to thin-client their call center operations.
adjective
British English
- We are evaluating thin-client solutions for the new building.
American English
- The thin-client model reduces local hardware costs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when discussing IT strategy, cost reduction, or centralised data management. (e.g., 'Migrating to thin clients will simplify our software updates.')
Academic
Appears in computer science, information systems, and business technology literature describing network architectures.
Everyday
Rare. Only likely in conversations about workplace technology or with technically proficient individuals.
Technical
Core term in IT infrastructure, cloud computing, and network architecture discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thin client”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thin client”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thin client”
- Using 'thin client' to refer to any lightweight laptop or underpowered computer (it must imply server-dependence).
- Confusing 'thin client' (architecture) with 'web browser' (a type of thin client application).
- Misspelling as 'thin cleint'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in a conceptual sense. A web browser relies on remote servers (web servers) for applications and data, performing mainly rendering locally. It is a specific, common type of thin client.
Centralised management and security. IT staff can update, patch, and secure software on the server rather than on hundreds of individual devices.
A 'fat client' or 'thick client', which is a standard computer (like a desktop PC) that runs applications and stores data locally, requiring minimal server interaction.
Typically, no. A thin client is fundamentally dependent on a connection to its central server to function. Without a network, it has little to no usable functionality.
A computer or software that relies heavily on a central server for its computational resources and data storage, performing minimal local processing.
Thin client is usually technical, formal (within it/business contexts) in register.
Thin client: in British English it is pronounced /θɪn ˈklaɪənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /θɪn ˈklaɪənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to be) just a thin client for [a central service]”
- “(computing) to move to a thin-client model”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'thin' wallet that doesn't hold much cash locally—it relies on the bank (server) for funds. A thin client holds little locally and relies on the server.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPUTING IS A HIERARCHY (with servers as the 'brain' and clients as 'limbs' or 'terminals').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a thin client?