First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1custom
noun cus·tom \ˈkəs-təm\
: an action or way of behaving that is usual and traditional among the people in a particular group or place
: something that is done regularly by a person
customs : taxes or fees that are paid to the government when goods come into or go out of a country
Full Definition of CUSTOM
1
a : a usage or practice common to many or to a particular place or class or habitual with an individual b : long-established practice considered as unwritten law c : repeated practice d : the whole body of usages, practices, or conventions that regulate social life
2
plural a : duties, tolls, or imposts imposed by the sovereign law of a country on imports or exports b usually singular in construction : the agency, establishment, or procedure for collecting such customs
3
a : business patronage b : usu. habitual patrons : customers
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Origin of CUSTOM
Middle English custume, from Anglo-French, from Latin consuetudin-, consuetudo, from consuescere to accustom, from com- + suescere to accustom; akin to suus one's own — more at suicide
Related to CUSTOM
Synonym Discussion of CUSTOM
habit, practice, usage, custom, wont mean a way of acting fixed through repetition. habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively <had a habit of tapping his fingers>. practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice <our practice is to honor all major credit cards>. usage suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm <western-style dress is now common usage in international business>. custom applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law <the custom of wearing black at funerals>. wont usually applies to an habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group <as was her wont, she slept until noon>.
Rhymes with CUSTOM
2custom
adjective
: made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person
: doing work that fits the needs or requirements of a particular person
Full Definition of CUSTOM
1
: made or performed according to personal order
2
: specializing in custom work or operation <a custom tailor>
See custom defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CUSTOM
1830
Related to CUSTOM
- Synonyms
- bespoke (also bespoken), custom–made, customized, custom-tailored, made-to-order, tailored, tailor-made
- Antonyms
- mass-produced, ready-made
CUSTOM Defined for Kids
1custom
noun cus·tom \ˈkə-stəm\
Definition of CUSTOM for Kids
1
: the usual way of doing things : the usual practice
2
customs plural : duties or taxes paid on imports or exports
3
: support given to a business by its customers <Buyers grew tired of waiting … and … took their custom elsewhere. — Linda Sue Park, A Single Shard>
2custom
adjective
Definition of CUSTOM for Kids
1
: made or done to personal order <custom furniture>
2
: specializing in work done to personal order <a custom printer>
Headscratcher for CUSTOM
Custom means the usual way of doing things, but custom can also mean that something has been made according to a special order.
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