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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
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,'
suffixEnglish Dictionary