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

Product manager Sam Nordstrom says earlier AI tools simply slotted customers into one of 20 or so baskets of ETFs based on a questionnaire, but that the company’s new offering can account for far more scenarios. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

As of March 1, 2026, Buc-ee’s requires customers using credit or debit cards to pay for fuel at the pump. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026

For more details on the claims process or to download a claim form, visit the Hoosier Lottery Winners page or contact the customer service team at 1-800-955-6886. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026

When major infrastructure projects are financed in ways that push most of the risk onto customers instead of shareholders, that’s not fair. —Andre Johnson Jr, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 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