customer
A customer is a person or organization that buys goods or services from a store or business. It describes the person who pays for an item at the moment of sale.
Examples
3 of 5The customer asked for a refund because the shirt was too small.
The person buying the item asked for their money back because the shirt was small.
We aim to provide every customer with a professional and efficient experience.
We want to give every person who buys from us a high-quality experience.
He's a regular customer here; he comes in for coffee every morning.
He is a person who buys coffee here very often.
Word Family
Memory Tip
A CUSTOMer follows the CUSTOM (habit) of shopping at a specific place.
Quick Quiz
The ______ waited in line to pay for his groceries.
Correct!
The correct answer is: customer
Examples
The customer asked for a refund because the shirt was too small.
everydayThe person buying the item asked for their money back because the shirt was small.
We aim to provide every customer with a professional and efficient experience.
formalWe want to give every person who buys from us a high-quality experience.
He's a regular customer here; he comes in for coffee every morning.
informalHe is a person who buys coffee here very often.
Academic research indicates that customer behavior is influenced by digital advertising.
academicStudies show that the way buyers act is changed by online ads.
Our primary goal this year is to increase our global customer base.
businessOur main target this year is to get more buyers from around the world.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
The customer is always right
A motto suggesting that staff should always agree with buyers
tough customer
a person who is difficult to deal with or satisfy
customer-facing
dealing directly with people who buy goods
Often Confused With
A customer usually buys physical goods from a shop, while a client pays for professional services from a lawyer or accountant.
The customer is the person who buys the product, but the consumer is the one who actually uses it.
Usage Notes
Use 'customer' when talking about retail environments like supermarkets, clothing stores, or fast-food restaurants.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'client' for simple transactions; remember to use 'customer' for shops and 'client' for professional services.
Memory Tip
A CUSTOMer follows the CUSTOM (habit) of shopping at a specific place.
Word Origin
Originates from the Middle English word 'custumer', meaning someone who follows a 'custom' or habitual practice of buying.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking countries, the concept of 'customer service' is highly emphasized in the economy.
Quick Quiz
The ______ waited in line to pay for his groceries.
Correct!
The correct answer is: customer
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