customer

American  

[kuhs-tuh-mer] / ˈkʌs tə mər /

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.

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customer British  

/ ˈkʌstəmə /

noun

1. a person who buys

2. informal a person with whom one has dealings

   a cool customer

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customer Idioms  

1. see ugly customer.

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Etymology

Origin of customer

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

Example Sentences

As more drivers on the road assume more risk, insurers may have to add that price into the cost of covering their own customers.

From MarketWatch

Airlines have reported that wealthier customers are traveling abroad more, and a buoyant stock market lifted by AI may make them feel richer.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said customer safety is the company’s highest priority.

From The Wall Street Journal

Large software companies are seeking out the many smaller players to help build out their artificial intelligence offerings, create the ability to cross-sell more products to customers and create more efficient cost structures.

From Barron's

It’s a setback for carton manufacturers and their customers, including soup- and juice-makers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• client
• consumer
• patron
• purchaser