customer

noun

cus·​tom·​er ˈkə-stə-mər How to pronounce customer (audio)
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

Examples of customer in a Sentence

She is one of our best customers. She's a pretty cool customer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over 5,000 customers gave it a five-star rating, praising its wrinkle-resistance properties. Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 Unfortunately, Disney is proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices, while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products — like Hulu + Live TV and, soon, Fubo. Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 Since 2021, Apple AirTags have been helping customers locate their lost keys, wallets, cars, and even beloved pets. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025 Owners impacted by either or both recalls can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for customer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English custumer, from custume — see custom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of customer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Customer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/customer. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

customer

noun
cus·​tom·​er ˈkəs-tə-mər How to pronounce customer (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on customer

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