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

For a limited time, customers will be able to add brass initial charms, available at select Stella McCartney boutiques worldwide, to their shoes. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025

One customer is Advanta, an automotive supplier with plants in South Carolina and Michigan. —Stuart Dyos, The Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2025

This metric reflects the total amount customers pay, and is inclusive of food costs, delivery charges and taxes. —Royston Wild, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Executives stated this week they are concerned because many of their customers are price-sensitive, says NPR's Scott Horsley. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 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