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

This developing plot line, however, stays in the background as customers turn up demanding to look like Beyoncé or requesting micro braids, a labor-intensive torture for overworked hands.

From Los Angeles Times

But the plans have frustrated many other kinds of businesses that have also been hurt, as the new taxes on imports raise costs for firms based in the US and alienate long-time customers overseas.

From BBC

Footage has circulated on social media of the singer drinking in the pub with local customers at the weekend.

From BBC

The travel body described the increase in customers using AI as "both a challenge and an opportunity".

From BBC

Temu, another low-cost online retailer that previously relied on de minimis, states on its website that for its customers, there are “no import charges for all local warehouse items and no extra charges upon delivery.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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