customer

noun

cus·​tom·​er ˈkə-stə-mər 

1

: one that purchases a commodity or service

The customer used a credit card for the purchase.

2

: an individual usually having some specified distinctive trait

a real tough customer

… let me give you the advice of an old and world-weary customer.

—Flannery O'Connor

Synonyms of customer

• client
• patron
• guest

Examples of customer in a Sentence

She is one of our best customers.

She's a pretty cool customer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ask who sells to your exact customer but offers a different product. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Most hats arrive at the store uncreased, so customers can work directly with professional shapers. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026

Charlotte Water customers were urged to limit water use Saturday after a water main break flooded a busy road Friday. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026

Even better, new customers can score 20% off their first two orders with promo code SOGOOD20. — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English custumer, from custume — see custom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing customer

• cool customer
• customer base
• customer service
• paying customer
• regular customer

Kids Definition

customer

noun

cus·​tom·​er ˈkəs-tə-mər 

1

: one that buys a product or service

2

: individual entry 2 sense 2, fellow

he's a real tough customer

Legal Definition

customer

noun

cus·​to·​mer

1

: a person or business that purchases a commodity or service

2

a

: a person or entity having an account with a bank or on whose behalf the bank has agreed to collect items

b

: a person or entity for whom an issuer issues a letter of credit