customary

[kuhs-tuh-mer-ee]

adjective

1. according to or depending on custom; usual; habitual.

   Synonyms: regular, common, conventional, accustomed, wonted
   Antonyms: uncommon

2. of or established by custom rather than law.

3. Law.,  defined by long-continued practices.

   the customary service due from land in a manor.

noun

plural

customaries 

1. a book or document containing the legal customs or customary laws of a locality.

2. any body of such customs or laws.

customary

/ ˈkʌstəmərɪ, -təmrɪ /

adjective

1. in accordance with custom or habitual practice; usual; habitual

2. law

   1. founded upon long continued practices and usage rather than law

   2. (of land, esp a feudal estate) held by custom

noun

1. 1. a statement in writing of customary laws and practices

   2. a body of such laws and customs

Other Word Forms

• customarily adverb
• noncustomarily adverb
• noncustomary adjective
• uncustomarily adverb
• uncustomary adjective
• customariness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of customary¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; 1515–25 for current senses; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin custumārius, customārius, equivalent to costum(i)a, “custom” (also in Vulgar Latin; custom ) + -ārius -ary

Synonym Study

See usual.

Example Sentences

However, a leadership aide for Johnson contradicted the statement later in the day, saying it was “customary practice” to swear in newly elected representatives when Congress is in session.

From Salon

As Arsenal embarked on a customary lap around the pitch after their Champions League defeat by Lyon, there was a palpable air of frustration.

From BBC

Along with the customary cardboard cut-outs and decorative gift mugs, a special exhibition stand is displaying a selection of the former Conservative prime minister's most famous outfits from her 11 years in office.

From BBC

To make matters worse, these details, customary in a biopic, are stylized to capitalize the characters’ names, just like how they’d be written in the screenplay.

From Salon

At the customary hour of midnight, the restored 4K film will be premiering across the country this weekend, with special screenings and Q&As on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accepted 
• traditional