# custom

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkʌstəm/ · frequency rank #3,421

## Definitions
1. Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
2. Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
3. Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
4. Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
5. Traditional beliefs or rituals.
6. A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, etc.
7. Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
8. Toll, tax, or tribute.

## Etymology
PIE word
 *ḱóm
 PIE word
 *swé
From Middle English custume, borrowed from Anglo-Norman custume, inherited from Latin consuētūdinem, a noun derived from cōnsuēscō, from con- (“with”) + suēscō (“become used or accustomed to”). Doublet of costume, consuetude, and kastom.
The adjectival form first appears c. 1830.

## Easily confused with
- **customs** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/custom-vs-customs)
- **customer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/custom-vs-customer)
- **castor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/castor-vs-custom)
- **custody** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/custody-vs-custom)

## Common misspellings (9)
`ccustom`, `csutom`, `cusotm`, `cusstom`, `custmo`, `customm`, `custtom`, `cutsom`, `ucstom`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/custom