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

Robin Howard Moore and Jim Howard were among those saying goodbye to customers. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025

The code is available to customers who have purchased the new Good Dye Young shade Ego, according to Instagram comments. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 29 July 2025

Three sources briefed about the matter told Reuters that Tesla was the customer for the deal. —Reuters, CNN Money, 28 July 2025

Instead, identify specific product lines, regions or customer segments where current pricing approaches have become visibly inadequate. —Pascal Yammine, Forbes.com, 28 July 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