custom
gb/kˈʌstəm/ us/kˈʌstəm/
B1
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
traditional social practice
A way of doing things that is usual in a certain place or group.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] follow(s) [custom]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'custom' with 'customer'; 'custom' means a tradition, not a person who buys something.
Synonyms
tradition (Often refers to long-established customs passed down over generations.)
Antonyms
innovation (Refers to introducing new ideas or ways, opposite to following established customs.)
Collocations
local custom
|ancient custom
|follow custom
|cultural custom
|old custom
Themes
culture
|society
|tradition
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Shaking hands when you meet someone is a common custom in many countries.
- It’s an old custom in our village to light candles on the river during the festival.
- According to local custom, guests must remove their shoes before entering the house.
Learner examples
- It is a custom to say hello when you meet someone.
- In my town, it is a custom to eat fish on Friday.
- The custom in this country is to bow when greeting.
Noun
B2
entity
2
patronage of a business
When people buy things from a shop or company.
Usage pattern:
[someone] give(s) [business] [custom]
Common mistake:
Some learners incorrectly use 'custom' here as plural 'customs' when referring to business customers.
Synonyms
patronage (More formal term for the act of giving business to a shop or company.)
Antonyms
boycott (The act of avoiding buying from a business, opposite of giving custom.)
Collocations
regular custom
|lose custom
|attract custom
Themes
business
|commerce
|finance
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The café has built up a loyal custom over the years.
- We appreciate your custom and look forward to serving you again.
- The store lost much of its custom after moving to a new location.
Learner examples
- Thank you for your custom.
- The shop lost some custom after the road closed.
- We want more custom for our small café.
adjective
B1
property
3
made-to-order or special-made
Made for one person or purpose, not standard.
Usage pattern:
custom [item/service]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'custom' (adjective) with 'costume', which means clothing worn for special occasions like plays or parties.
Synonyms
bespoke (British English term, often used for clothing or services tailored for an individual.)
Antonyms
standard (Refers to something mass-produced and not made to order.)
Collocations
custom design
|custom build
|custom order
Themes
manufacturing
|design
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They ordered a custom suit for the wedding.
- The car comes with several custom options.
- We can create a custom plan to fit your needs.
Learner examples
- I bought a custom shirt.
- She made a custom cake for the party.
- He drives a custom car.
Grammar
Dictionary form
custom
IPA
GB/kˈʌstəm/
US/kˈʌstəm/
Syllables & stress
cus - tom (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cus)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: custom
Noun
- Base: custom
- Plural: custom, customs
Word family
Forms
customs
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
uncustomary
adjective
Advanced or less common
customarily
adverb
Expressions
as is the custom
1/ˈæz ˈɪz ðə kˈʌstəm/
fixed phrase
in the usual traditional way
In the way people usually do it in that place or group.
Examples
- As is the custom here, we took off our shoes before entering the house.
- They gave gifts to the hosts, as is the custom in many cultures.
custom and practice
1/kˈʌstəm ˈænd pɹˈæktɪs/
fixed phrase
formal
established accepted way over time
The usual way something is done in a place or job, accepted over time.
Examples
- Payment on the last day of the month is custom and practice in this company.
- The courts often recognize long-standing customs and practices.
custom-made
1/kˈʌstəm mˈeɪd/
fixed phrase
made specially for one person
Made for one person or thing, not mass produced.
Examples
- This table was custom-made for our kitchen.
- He wore a custom-made suit to the event.