custom

noun

Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.

Traditional beliefs or rituals.

(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.

(law) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.

A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, etc.

(dated outside UK) Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.

(obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.

(archaic, uncountable) Toll, tax, or tribute.

verb

(transitive, obsolete) To make familiar; to accustom.

(transitive, obsolete) To supply with customers.

(transitive, obsolete) To pay the customs of.

(intransitive, obsolete) To have a custom.

adjective

Made or done in a way adjusted to fit the needs of a particular person or group (e.g., customer, health care patient, do-it-yourselfer), and thus specialized and, in some cases, unique.

(especially agriculture) Done on a for-hire basis, as contrasted with being done only for oneself.

Own, personal, not standard or premade.

(archaic) Accustomed; usual.

Roots

comcus- · Latin · together, with suesceretom- · Latin · to become accustomed

Synonyms for custom

consuetuden traditionn folkwayadj habituden usagen habitn handcraftedv conventionalityn wontn handmadeadj

Synonyms & related words for custom

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of custom — including consuetude, tradition, folkway, habitude, usage, habit. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to custom

Explore words related to custom — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include customable, usance, consuetudinal, customized, customizing, bespoke, couvade, customization. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for custom

Common synonyms for custom include consuetude, tradition, folkway, habitude, usage, habit, handcrafted, conventionality — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does custom come from?

The word custom breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: cus-, from Latin com (“together, with”); and tom, from Latin suescere (“to become accustomed”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.