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

The company said the plan could save customers nearly $3 billion by utilizing expiring tax credits. —Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 2 June 2026

Many continue to use antiquated customer data models or adhere to conventional marketing tactics. —Dr. Bin Tang, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Hennessy’s marketing strategy reflects the shift to a younger customer. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 1 June 2026

Its Claude chatbot has become a popular alternative in the increasingly competitive generative AI market, while Claude Code has gained traction among software developers and enterprise customers looking to automate coding tasks and improve productivity. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 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