customer
KUHS-tuh-muh
Customer (noun) means a person or business that buys goods or services from a seller. Example: “The store thanked its loyal customers with a discount.”
noun
1
A person or business that buys goods or services from a seller.
"The store thanked its loyal customers with a discount."
"She's been a customer of this bakery for years."
"A customer came into the shop asking whether the red jacket was available in a larger size."
2
Informal: a person, typically described with an adjective indicating their character.
"He's a tough customer to negotiate with."
"Be careful with that one, because he is a slippery customer when it comes to money."
"My gran is a cool customer and never panics in an emergency."
How to use customer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who buys from a business, or (informally) a person of a certain sort.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
loyal customer
customer service
tough customer
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Word forms
- Plural
- customers
Fill the gap
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The store thanked its loyal _____ with a discount.
Etymology
From Old French coustumier, "a toll-gatherer," from custom, "a tax or duty" — originally someone who collected customs duties, later shifted to mean a regular buyer.
Related words
Rhymes for customer
See all rhymes for customer →Frequently asked questions
What does “customer” mean?
The word “customer” means a person or business that buys goods or services from a seller. In plain terms, someone who buys from a business, or (informally) a person of a certain sort.
How do you pronounce “customer”?
“Customer” is pronounced KUHS-tuh-muh (/ˈkʌs.tə.mə/ in IPA).
How do you use “customer” in a sentence?
Here is “customer” used in a sentence: “The store thanked its loyal customers with a discount.”
What part of speech is “customer”?
“Customer” is a noun.
Where does the word “customer” come from?
The word “customer” comes from Old French. From Old French coustumier, "a toll-gatherer," from custom, "a tax or duty" — originally someone who collected customs duties, later shifted to mean a regular buyer.
Is “customer” a common word?
“Customer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “customer” have?
“Customer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or business that buys goods or services from a seller.
What is the difference between a customer and a consumer?
A customer is the person or business that actually buys a product or service. A consumer is the one who uses it — and they are not always the same person. If you buy dog food, you are the customer but your dog is the consumer. Customers purchase; consumers consume.
What is the difference between a customer and a client?
Both buy from a seller, but the words differ in tone. Customer suits one-off or everyday purchases, like buying groceries. Client usually describes an ongoing, professional relationship involving advice or a service — the clients of a lawyer, accountant, or agency. Clients tend to receive more personal, sustained attention.
What are the different types of customers?
Businesses often group customers in several ways. There are new and returning customers, loyal regulars, and one-time buyers. Some distinguish potential customers, who might buy, from existing ones who already have. In business-to-business trade, the customer is another company rather than an individual shopper.
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