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

Going forward, HP expects a boost as small- to medium-sized businesses and customers in Europe and Asia install the new operating system and upgrade their aging PCs, he says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It also highlights the highly competitive Chinese auto market, where new EV models are launched almost every month, and carmakers constantly roll out the latest technology to attract customers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Prices have risen so high at the country’s largest burger chain that sales to low-income customers have fallen while higher-income consumers are spending more.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The companies are currently scoping out demand and seeking commitments from customers in what is known as an “open season.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Relief would be welcome by Canada's aluminium producers, who have had to absorb initial tariff-related costs to meet their contractual obligations with US customers.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• client 
• consumer 
• patron 
• purchaser www.thesaurus.com