DictionarycustomBusiness patronage
noun

custom

The business customers give to a shop or service.

The British shopkeeper thanks them for their custom.

Etymology

The older word names a customary practice. Repeated patronage became a shop’s custom: the habitual business brought by people who use it.

More examples

  • Regular custom kept the small store open.
  • The owner hoped to attract more custom.
  • She took her custom to another supplier.

Forms

custom

customer noun — someone buying goods or services

Similar words

patronage
Business or support given to a seller.