Words / A2

KUST-uh-m/ˈkʌstəm/

A custom is a usual tradition in a place or group: a local custom, it is the custom to, customs (plural). Habit is more personal (my habit). Customer is a buyer — extra -er — and Customs (capital C often) means the airport check on goods. Costume is clothes. Do not mix these four.

Meaning

A usual way of behaving in a country or group.

Examples

• “It is a local custom to take off your shoes.”
• “It is a custom here to bring a small gift.”
• “We followed the local custom and removed our shoes.”

Good to know

a local custom / it is the custom to. Mix-ups: customer, costume, Customs (airport).

Near in meaning

tradition

New