Glossary · AI and language-model infrastructure
MCP client
The protocol component inside an AI host that maintains a connection to one MCP server.
Definition
An MCP host can create a client connection for each server. The client negotiates capabilities, lists available features, sends approved calls, and receives results through the selected transport. The host presents those capabilities to the user or model according to product policy.
Why it matters
Separating host, client, and server clarifies which layer manages user experience, protocol communication, and business capability.
Common misunderstanding
The client is not the same thing as the language model and not the same thing as the server it connects to.
Related terms
Related system family: Operations & Automation
Sources
- Model Context Protocol architecture overview (opens in a new tab) · Model Context Protocol
Last reviewed July 16, 2026