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

Other large networks, such as CBS, CNN, Fox News, NBC, MSNBC, and CNBC, will simulcast the debate on their own networks, which DirecTV customers could use as a workaround. —Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Sep. 2024

The retailer's core customers have cut their discretionary spending on home and seasonal products, which make up a large portion of Big Lots' revenue, the company noted. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2024

Two customers in Michigan had recently commissioned her to do Confederate flags, but Miss Pat, who is white, hadn’t started yet. —Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

The heat wave caused thousands of customers to lose power in Los Angeles County on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. —Chris Boyette, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024

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