customer

[ kuhs-tuh-mer ]

noun

1. a person who purchases goods or services from another; buyer; patron.
2. Informal. a person one has to deal with:

   a tough customer; a cool customer.

customer

/ ˈkʌstəmə /

noun

1. a person who buys
2. informal.
   a person with whom one has dealings

   a cool customer

Word History and Origins

Origin of customer¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; custom + -er ¹; compare Middle English customer “collector of customs,” from Anglo-French; Old French costumier, cognate with Medieval Latin custumārius; customary

Idioms and Phrases

see ugly customer .

Example Sentences

A spokeswoman said it reflected the company's "commitment to maintaining a retail environment that resonates with the values of our customers and partners."

From BBC

Octopus Energy has around 500 cameras that it loans out to customers every winter.

From BBC

"Our advertising technology tools help websites and apps fund their content, and enable businesses of all sizes to effectively reach new customers," said Dan Taylor, vice-president of global advertising.

From BBC

A 92-year-old woman has been dubbed "Britain's most loyal customer" for attending the same restaurant each week for 37 years.

From BBC

"This information was available to all prospective ticket buyers, and we advise all customers to review event details carefully before completing a purchase."

From BBC

Related Words

• client
• consumer
• patron
• purchaser