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

Tributes and messages of condolence have poured in from customers, community members, and fans of the iconic restaurant, many of whom credited Pierce-Sherrod with preserving the spirit and legacy of Harold’s Chicken for future generations. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026

Xcel Energy will cut power to 9,000 customers in northern Colorado starting Friday morning before strong winds and fire danger, utility officials announced Thursday. —Katie Langford, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026

Our Signature Soft Cotton Popcorn bath sheets are ever-popular—customers love their absorbency, color selection, and plush feel. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026

City regulations do not allow the location to have a drive-thru, the company explained in a statement, so customers must come in to consume or place their order inside the restaurant. —Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026

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