Definition

1. Noun:

   • A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time: A social custom is a practice or behavior that is passed down within a group.
   • Habitual patronage of a particular shop or business: The regular business given by a customer.
   • A practice so long established that it has the force of law: A usage or practice common to many or to a particular place or class, often considered unwritten law.
   • (Customs; plural noun) The official department that administers and collects duties levied by a government on imported goods: Also refers to the place at a port, airport, or frontier where officials check incoming goods, luggage, or travelers.
   • (Archaic) A regular or established practice or habit of an individual.

2. Adjective:

   • Made or done to order for a particular customer; specially designed or produced: Not standard or ready-made.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Social Practice):
  • It is the custom in Japan to remove your shoes before entering a home.
  • The wedding followed local customs.
• Noun (Business Patronage):
  • Thank you for your custom. We hope to see you again soon.
  • The store lost a lot of custom after the scandal.
• Noun (Established Practice/Law):
  • By ancient custom, the land passes to the eldest son.
• Noun (Customs - Government Duty/Office):
  • We had to declare the goods at customs.
  • The customs officer inspected our luggage.
• Adjective (Made-to-order):
  • He wears custom suits from a famous tailor.
  • The company builds custom computers for gamers.

Advanced Usage

• "As is (someone's) custom": In the way someone usually does something.
  • He arrived early, as was his custom.
• "Custom and practice": The way things are usually done in a particular place or activity, especially when this is seen as establishing a rule.
  • The agreement was based on custom and practice, not a written contract.

Variants and Related Words

• Customary (adj): According to or based on custom; usual.
  • It is customary to shake hands when you meet someone.
• Customize (verb): To modify or build something to a customer's individual requirements.
  • You can customize the car with different features.
• Customer (noun): A person who buys goods or services from a shop or business.
  • The customer is always right. (Common saying)
• Accustom (verb): To make someone or something accept something as normal or usual.
  • You must accustom yourself to the new schedule.

Synonyms

• Tradition: A long-established custom or belief passed from generation to generation.
• Habit: A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up (more individual).
• Practice: The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories.
• Convention: A way in which something is usually done.

Related Phrases

• Custom-built/Custom-made: Made to a particular customer's order.
  • He drives a custom-built motorcycle.
• Break with custom: To do something differently from the way it is traditionally done.
  • The queen broke with custom by giving a televised speech.

Idioms

• Time-honored custom: A custom that has been respected and observed for a long time.
  • The festival is a time-honored custom in our village.

Adjective

1. made according to the specifications of an individual

Noun

1. habitual patronage
   • I have given this tailor my custom for many years
2. money collected under a tariff
3. a specific practice of long standing
4. accepted or habitual practice