customer
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkʌs.tə.mər/US/ˈkʌs.t̬ɚ.mɚ/
A person or organization that buys goods or services from a store or business.
Example Sentences
The store's loyal customers keep coming back for their exceptional service.
He treated every customer with the utmost respect and professionalism, ensuring their needs were met.
Customers are encouraged to leave feedback to help improve the quality of products and services.
During the holiday season, the influx of customers can make the store very busy.
The new marketing strategy aims to attract more customers by offering discounts and special promotions.
They developed a customer loyalty program to reward repeat business and foster long-term relationships.
The restaurant prides itself on providing excellent service and high-quality food to every customer who dines there, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
With a focus on customer satisfaction, the company continually updates its products based on feedback and market trends, ensuring that they meet the evolving demands of their clientele.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A buyer or user of goods or services from a business or institution.Typically, this noun points to a person or organization engaging in commerce by buying products or services. Whether it’s a shopper at a retail store, a client hiring consulting services, or a diner patronizing a restaurant, all can be labeled as 'customers.' Businesses center their strategies on attracting and retaining such buyers, offering value, quality, and convenience. You might say, “We have many loyal customers who visit weekly,” showing an ongoing relationship, or “The company conducted a survey to understand customer preferences.” In day-to-day conversation, specifying what kind of customer—first-time, repeat, high-value—often clarifies the nature of the relationship and behaviors. In broader contexts like marketing, operations, or service design, the term emphasizes an external party exchanging money or support for goods, experiences, or benefits. Whether you’re referencing the point of sale or the entire user journey, “customer” underscores the role of consumer choice and satisfaction.
Alternatives
Related terms can help you refine meaning. “Client” often implies a longer-term, service-based relationship—like clients of a law firm or financial advisor—where more personal or professional interactions occur. “Patron” might appear when discussing the arts or hospitality, as in museums, galleries, or restaurants, highlighting cultural or supportive involvement. “Consumer” is a broad term describing anyone who uses or purchases goods and services, frequently used in economics or market research. Meanwhile, “buyer” specifically denotes someone making a purchase, possibly highlighting the transactional aspect over ongoing relationships. Choose the right word depending on whether you’re emphasizing a one-time purchase, a service contract, or general consumption patterns. This variety allows you to stress different elements—transactional, advisory, supportive—that shape how individuals or organizations interact with a business or product line.
Writing
In writing, “customer” often centers on commercial relationships and can anchor discussions around marketing, sales, or service quality. In business proposals or strategy reports, referencing “customer segments” or “customer journeys” reveals a focus on tailoring offerings to distinct groups. If drafting an academic or professional article, consider how you define the customer’s demographics, behaviors, and needs, possibly backing insights with surveys, user data, or case studies. Using synonyms—like “client” in a legal or consulting environment—prevents repetition. If your narrative is fictional, depicting a customer’s experience can highlight brand appeal, store ambiance, or problem resolution. Balance usage by specifying the nature of the interaction—“A new customer,” “An unhappy customer,” or “A loyal returning customer”—to reveal motivations and experiences. Drawing out how a customer’s perspective unfolds (through reviews, complaints, or praise) can enliven a broader analysis of commerce, brand loyalty, or marketplace dynamics.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, you’ll hear “customer” when discussing shopping experiences—“I was a customer at that bakery for years,” or “The restaurant was so busy that new customers had to wait.” It’s often used in quick updates or anecdotes: “I had a rude customer today,” or “We got our first customer as soon as the store opened.” If a friend is launching a small business, they might mention “getting more customers,” reflecting efforts to establish a solid client base. While people can also say “client,” “customer” stays more common in casual shop talk or basic service transactions. You might lighten the tone by switching to “shopper,” “guest,” or “buyer,” especially if you’re painting a friendlier, more informal picture. Regardless, in casual contexts, “customer” signals a straightforward relationship of someone paying for goods or services, often focusing on brief, direct transactions like at a store, café, or everyday service environment.
Etymology
The English word “customer” traces back to the Late Middle English term “custumer,” itself derived from the Old French “coustumer,” meaning “to have a habit or custom.” Historically, it hinted at someone who engaged in habitual buying or trade, implying consistent patronage or practice. Over centuries, commerce expanded, and “customer” gained a broader sense—any purchaser of goods or services, occasionally highlighting loyalty but not requiring it. In modern business parlance, the term holds strong, reflecting the fundamental link between sellers and those who regularly—or even sporadically—buy from them. While digital innovations have multiplied avenues for consumer engagement, “customer” remains the staple word: anchored in the age-old notion of trade as a recurring, customary act between vendors and those who rely on them.