noun
custom
KUHS-tuhm
noun
1
A long-established practice or tradition within a group or society.
"It's a local custom to leave shoes at the door."
"Wedding customs vary widely between cultures."
2
The regular patronage a business gets from its customers.
"The shop relies on repeat custom from locals."
adj
1
Made specifically to someone's particular requirements, rather than mass-produced.
"He had a custom suit made for the wedding."
How to Use Custom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional practice, or (as an adjective) something made to order rather than off the shelf.
Common pairings
local custom
custom-made
custom order
Word Forms
customed past tense, customs plural, customs singular
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Etymology
From Anglo-Norman custume, from Latin consuetudinem, "an accustomed way," from con- + suescere, "to become accustomed." A doublet of "costume" and "consuetude."