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

From Cookie Dough Pompompurin to Cherry Hello Kitty, customers can collect up to 12 scented figures or three color-changing spoons. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 4 May 2026

JetBlue, for example, is offering $99 one-way fares for Spirit customers flying on the same route through Wednesday, May 6. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026

However, if the customer exits the Waymo before the vehicle pulled over to officially end the trip, the trunk may not open. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

On Monday, the retailer said the Mid-Cities H-E-B will open to customers on May 20. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 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
• customer service
• 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