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

Your understanding of the technology should be ahead of your customers’ at all times. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026

The pipeline, a critical workaround for the Saudis to get their gas and oil to customers without using the Strait of Hormuz, was forced to shut down last week after being hit by drones. — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Cabot expects the projects to support manufacturing and construction jobs while creating additional capacity for customers operating in the North American battery supply chain. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

In addition to expanding vehicle selection nationwide, this expansion will also help customers in North Carolina gain access to more inventory and quicker delivery options. — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 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