a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time, a practice followed by people of a particular group or region

second nature (to someone), break with tradition, old hat

custom-made, customs duty, customs officer

Formal and Informal Expressions of custom

In different contexts, you can replace 'custom' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'practice, convention' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'thing, way' is a commonplace synonym.

custom: Explore its Definition & Usage

custom Definition

1a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time
2a practice followed by people of a particular group or region

Using custom: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "custom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
It's a custom in Japan to bow when greeting someone.
Example
The wedding customs of different cultures vary widely.
Example
The company has a custom of giving bonuses to employees at the end of the year.

custom Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for custom

Antonyms for custom

Idioms Using custom

second nature (to someone)
a habit or skill that someone has acquired so well that it seems natural and automatic
Example
After years of playing the piano, it became second nature to her.
break with tradition
to do something in a way that is different from what is usually done or expected
Example
The new CEO decided to break with tradition and hold the company's annual meeting online.
old hat
something that is no longer new or interesting
Example
The idea of using social media to promote a business is old hat now.

Phrases with custom

custom-made
made to fit a particular person or purpose
Example
She had a custom-made dress for the wedding.
customs duty
a tax on goods that are imported or exported
Example
The customs duty on luxury cars is very high.
customs officer
an official who works at a border or port and checks people's bags and passports to make sure they are not carrying anything illegal
Example
The customs officer asked to see his passport and searched his luggage.

Origins of custom

from Old French 'coustume', from Latin 'consuetudo', meaning 'habit'

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Summary: custom in Brief

The term 'custom' [ˈkʌstəm] refers to traditional and widely accepted ways of behaving or doing things that are specific to a particular society, place, or time. It can refer to practices followed by people of a particular group or region, such as 'The wedding customs of different cultures vary widely.' 'Custom' extends into phrases like 'custom-made,' denoting something made to fit a particular person or purpose, and idioms like 'second nature,' implying a habit or skill that someone has acquired so well that it seems natural and automatic.