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

• 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

In many cases, a business’s customers or suppliers are members of the same community, or within the same region. —Louis Gritzo, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

That about-face on diversity issues has contributed to Target's problems with loyal customers. —Melissa Repko, CNBC, 15 July 2025

Prosecutors said a customer at the drive-through window then tried to stop the stabbing by shooting his legal weapon through the window, but Muhammad was allegedly able to escape to her car. —Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 15 July 2025

Investigators also reportedly seized the drugs from Pichardo, his associates and the customers. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025

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
• 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