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

At Gramps Getaway, which offers a picturesque view of Miami and Biscayne Bay, umbrella and fan placement is a daily concern — anything to keep customers cool from day into night. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

The Abu Dhabi experience The new flight lands at Zayed International Airport, which offers a variety of unique experiences for customers. —Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

Disaffecting one’s existing customers doesn’t lead to new shoppers. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

The number of new customers was about 116,000 fewer than the year before, and 106,000 below the company's goal, reported Reuters. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 4 Sep. 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