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 Pillar story alleges that Dudley spotted the bishop making late-night border crossings into Mexico, parking in a lot reserved for customers of a brothel, then boarding a shuttle exclusive to customers of the brothel. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

The program has been credited with helping the state meet its 2020 climate goals early, generating $34 billion for climate investments in the state, and for returning $15 billion to customers through their utility bills. —Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Burger King listened to its customers and has transformed one of its core menu items, the Whopper. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026

But Burger King believes the Whopper changes are subtle enough not to offend fanatics, while luring back customers who may have soured on the brand. —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 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