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

Would collecting data from customers and prospects help solve the discrepancies? 4. —Ellie Victor, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Power was successfully restored to nearly all customers just a couple days later. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2025

This promotion follows Southwest Airlines' recent announcement to end its free checked bag policy, a move that has been met with resistance from some customers. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025

The micro business is a self-serve model where customers order items shown on the CedarRoseCafe.com website during weekdays and pick the food up at a location in the Estates on the weekends. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 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