English · Culture & Society

custom

/ˈkʌs.təm/

[/ˈkʌs.təm/]

usual social practice

Intermediatenoun

Definition

A way of behaving or doing something that is usual among a particular group of people.

Example

It is the custom in many countries to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.

It is the custom in many countries to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.

Etymology

From Old French 'costume', from Latin 'consuetudo' (habit, usage).

How & Where It’s Used

Used for social habits; the plural 'customs' also means import taxes.

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