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

• account
• client
• guest
• patron
• punter [chiefly British]

Examples of customer in a Sentence

She is one of our best customers.

She's a pretty cool customer.

Recent Examples on the Web

How will established CEXs maintain their market position and continue to acquire new customers in this newly favorable regulatory environment? —Nimrod Lehavi, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Southwest said customers who want to adjust their plans can rebook or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date without incurring additional charges. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2025

Nick Barber is the LLC manager at Utilities Now, an online platform that allows customers to access and manage their utility accounts. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025

Idaho Power customers can expect their bills to go up this month. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 4 Jan. 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