customer
/ˈkʌstəmər/noun★Beginner
formal
A person who purchases goods or services from a business or seller.
The customer was satisfied with the quality of the product.
The client appreciated the service provided.
💡
The term is commonly used in business and retail contexts.
Collocations
customer servicethe assistance provided to customerscustomer satisfactionthe degree to which customers are happy with a product or serviceloyal customera customer who repeatedly purchases from the same business
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
customer is always rightproverb
a business principle that prioritizes customer satisfaction
💡Pro Tip
Usage in Business
In formal business communication, 'customer' is preferred over 'client' when referring to general buyers.
⚡Gold Rule
Customer vs. Client
While 'customer' and 'client' are often used interchangeably, 'client' is more common in professional services like law or consulting.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'customere,' from Old French 'customier,' meaning 'one who frequents a shop,' from 'costume' (custom).
📝Usage Notes
In business contexts, 'customer' is often used interchangeably with 'client,' though 'client' may imply a more professional or long-term relationship.
Word Breakdown
cust
from 'custom,' referring to habitual behavior or practice
root-omer
a suffix indicating a person associated with something
suffixEnglish Dictionary