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

At launch, customers can order food from restaurants like Koji Japanese Steakhouse, Molinos Mexican Grill, and Sabrosos Mexican Restaurant. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026

Online resale company ThredUp has also noticed indicators that customers are looking to sell and buy clothing because of weight changes. —Melissa Repko, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026

In addition, Xfinity customers can add NOW TV, a streaming package of more than 125 live channels, to select StreamSaver bundles starting at $5 extra per month. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026

New Jersey’s legislation prohibiting customers from pumping their own gas dates back to 1949. —Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 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