custom
KUHS-tuhm
Custom (noun) means a long-established practice or tradition within a group or society. Example: “It's a local custom to leave shoes at the door.”
noun
1
A long-established practice or tradition within a group or society.
"It's a local custom to leave shoes at the door."
"Wedding customs vary widely between cultures."
"In our village it is the custom to greet neighbours on the first morning of spring."
2
The regular patronage a business gets from its customers.
"The shop relies on repeat custom from locals."
"The new motorway took away most of the cafe's custom, and it closed."
"We thank you for your custom and hope to see you again soon."
adj
1
Made specifically to someone's particular requirements, rather than mass-produced.
"He had a custom suit made for the wedding."
"The furniture maker builds custom bookshelves that fit exactly into awkward corners."
"She ordered a custom phone case with her dog's photo printed on it."
How to use custom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional practice, or (as an adjective) something made to order rather than off the shelf.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
local custom
custom-made
custom order
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Word forms
- Plural
- customs
- Third person singular
- customs
- Past tense
- customed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's a local _____ to leave shoes at the door.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman custume, from Latin consuetudinem, "an accustomed way," from con- + suescere, "to become accustomed." A doublet of "costume" and "consuetude."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “custom” mean?
The word “custom” means a long-established practice or tradition within a group or society. In plain terms, a traditional practice, or (as an adjective) something made to order rather than off the shelf.
How do you pronounce “custom”?
“Custom” is pronounced KUHS-tuhm (/ˈkʌstəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “custom” in a sentence?
Here is “custom” used in a sentence: “It's a local custom to leave shoes at the door.”
What is another word for “custom”?
Words with a similar meaning to “custom” include fashion, folkway, habit, practice, usage and wone.
What part of speech is “custom”?
Depending on how it is used, “custom” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “custom” come from?
The word “custom” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman custume, from Latin consuetudinem, "an accustomed way," from con- + suescere, "to become accustomed." A doublet of "costume" and "consuetude.".
Is “custom” a common word?
“Custom” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “custom” have?
“Custom” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-established practice or tradition within a group or society.
What is the difference between a custom and a tradition?
A custom is an established way of doing something within a group — a habitual, accepted practice, like removing your shoes indoors. A tradition is usually broader and more consciously passed down through generations, often with symbolic meaning, like a holiday celebration. Customs tend to be everyday behaviours, while traditions carry a stronger sense of heritage.
What is the difference between a custom and a habit?
A habit is personal — an individual's repeated behaviour, like biting your nails. A custom is social — a practice shared and expected across a whole group or society, such as tipping in restaurants. Habits belong to one person, whereas customs are collective and often carry social approval or expectation.
What is an example of a custom?
Everyday customs include shaking hands when meeting someone, giving gifts at weddings, celebrating certain holidays, or eating particular foods on special occasions. They vary widely between cultures — a gesture or practice considered polite and normal in one society may be unknown or unusual in another.
Can customs change over time?
Yes. Although customs are long-established, they are not fixed; they evolve as societies change. New technology, migration, and shifting values can reshape or replace old practices, while fresh customs gradually take hold. Some fade quietly out of use, and others adapt to fit modern life.
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