customer

/ˈkʌstəmər/
person buying goods or services

The customer was pleased with the service.

The person buying the service was happy with it.


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