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

The wireless carrier is struggling with market pressures from fewer new customers, as competitors offer cheaper plans and cable companies, including Comcast and Charter, are entering the market. —James Powel, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

Verizon is also making moves to stem customer losses with price-lock guarantees and other favorable policies. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025

The bank’s researchers combed through internal data on its tens of millions of consumers and tracked how much income customers spent on necessities like housing, gasoline, groceries, child care and utilities. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025

There’s also a dash of Paul McCartney rhythm on the spiral staircase; lessons from Bob Roth, the designer’s meditation teacher, piped into a dressing room — and a metaphorical bear hug awaiting all customers. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 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