customer

/ˈkʌstəmər/
noun★Beginner— person buying goods or services
general

A person who purchases goods or services from a business.

The store values its loyal customers.

The business appreciates its regular buyers.

💡

The term is commonly used in retail, hospitality, and service industries.

Collocations

customer servicedepartment handling customer inquiries and complaintscustomer satisfactionmeasure of how happy customers are with a product or servicecustomer basetotal number of customers a business serves

Related Phrases

customer is always rightproverb
business principle that customers' needs and preferences should be prioritized

💡Pro Tip

Customer vs. Client

While both terms refer to people who buy goods or services, 'customer' is more general, while 'client' often implies a more formal or ongoing relationship.

⚡Gold Rule

Customer-Centric Language

Use respectful and inclusive language when referring to customers to foster positive relationships.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'customere,' meaning 'habitual patron,' from Old French 'customier,' from Latin 'consuetudinarius,' meaning 'accustomed.'

📝Usage Notes

In business contexts, 'customer' is often used interchangeably with 'client,' though 'client' may imply a more professional or ongoing relationship.

Word Breakdown

cust
from 'custom,' meaning 'habitual practice,'
root
+
-omer
from Latin '-arius,' meaning 'pertaining to,'
suffix
English Dictionary