Customs
/ˈkʌstəmz/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe official department or system that controls the flow of goods into and out of a country and collects taxes on them.
/ˈkʌstəmz/
Government-regulated taxes on imported or exported goods.
The customs officer checked the traveler's passport and luggage.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're bringing souvenirs from your trip abroad. Customs is the place you go to tell the government about these items and pay any taxes if they are required. They make sure nothing illegal is coming into the country.
👶 For kids: Customs is like a special place at the airport or border where grown-ups show the people there what they're bringing into the country, like toys or candy.
More Examples
The company had to pay customs duties on the imported goods.
Navigating customs can sometimes be a slow process.
How It's Used
"The shipment was held up at customs due to incorrect paperwork."
"Passengers had to declare any items exceeding the customs allowance."
Accepted and typical behavior or practices of a society or group.
/ˈkʌstəmz/
Established practices or ways of behaving.
It is a local custom to greet visitors with a small gift.
💡 Simply: Customs are like the rules that people in a certain group or place have agreed to follow. For example, it's a custom to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
👶 For kids: Customs are things that people in a place usually do, like what they eat, wear, and how they say hello.
More Examples
The company had to adapt to local customs when expanding overseas.
Breaking social customs can sometimes be seen as rude.
How It's Used
"It is a custom in many cultures to remove your shoes before entering a home."
"The festival celebrates local customs and traditions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
go through customs
To have your luggage and/or goods inspected by customs officials.
"We had to go through customs after landing at the airport."
customs officer
A government employee who checks people and goods entering a country.
"The customs officer examined the traveler's luggage."
From Middle English *custumes*, from Old French *custumes* (plural of *costume*), from Latin *consuetudo* ('habit, custom'), from *consuescere* ('to accustom').
The word customs, in its sense of governmental duties, evolved from the collection of taxes on goods. In earlier times, these duties were often collected by local lords or rulers.
Memory tip
Think of the *custom* officials at the border who check what goods you're bringing in.
Word Origin
"habit, practice, or way of behaving"