Customs: meaning, definitions and examples

🛃

Add to dictionary

customs

[ˈkʌstəmz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

official procedures

Customs refers to the official procedures and inspections carried out by government authorities at borders or ports to control the movement of goods, people, and animals into and out of a country.

Synonyms

duty, levy, tariff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
customs	This word refers to the government authority or agency that regulates the flow of goods into and out of a country. It can also refer to the procedures and duties involved. The customs officer checked my luggage thoroughly. You need to declare all goods at customs when you enter the country.

Word

Description / Examples

customs

This word refers to the government authority or agency that regulates the flow of goods into and out of a country. It can also refer to the procedures and duties involved.

The customs officer checked my luggage thoroughly.
You need to declare all goods at customs when you enter the country.

Examples of usage

The customs officer checked our luggage at the airport.
You will need to declare any items of value to customs when entering the country.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

traditions and habits

Customs also refer to the traditional practices, habits, and behaviors of a particular society or community.

Synonyms

practices, rituals, traditions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
customs	Describes the habitual practices of a community or society, especially in terms of social behavior and rituals. It is a custom in many countries to greet people with a handshake The festival is rich in local customs that have been passed down through generations
traditions	Highlights beliefs, practices, or customs that are handed down from generation to generation, emphasizing a sense of heritage. It is a tradition in our family to gather for a reunion every summer Many of the town's traditions date back hundreds of years
rituals	Specifically involves structured and symbolic actions, often with religious or spiritual significance, but can also be secular. Suggests a sense of ceremony. The wedding ceremony was filled with beautiful, ancient rituals Every morning, he has a coffee and reads the news as part of his daily rituals
practices	Emphasizes repeated actions or routines carried out by individuals or groups, often related to professional or everyday life. The company has strict hiring practices to ensure fairness Meditation is a daily practice for many people aiming to reduce stress

Examples of usage

It is customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
The customs of this ancient tribe are fascinating to study.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'custom' comes from the Latin word 'consuetudo', which means 'habit' or 'practice'.
In Middle English, it was spelled 'custume', showing how the pronunciation and meaning have evolved over time.
Historically, customs often formed the foundation of societal norms, influencing laws and personal behavior.

Cultural Significance

Every culture has unique customs that reflect their history, beliefs, and values, such as marriage rituals or food traditions.
Customs can change over time, blending with influences from globalization and technology.
In many societies, customs are preserved by storytelling and community events, ensuring traditions live on.

Psychology

Rituals attached to customs can provide psychological comfort, offering a sense of stability and belonging.
Engaging in cultural customs can strengthen group identity, enhancing social bonds among community members.
Studies suggest that familiar customs can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of control in times of uncertainty.

Legal Aspects

Certain customs can influence laws, like common law traditions found in jurisdictions such as the U.S. and the U.K.
Understanding local customs is crucial for diplomats and business people to navigate foreign cultures effectively.
International customs, like those observed by travelers, can affect trade policies and immigration procedures.

Pop Culture

Television shows often depict diverse customs, allowing viewers to gain insight into different cultures and lifestyles.
Festivals around the world showcase local customs, drawing tourists and promoting cultural exchange.
Social media has transformed how customs are shared, often leading to new trends that blend various cultural practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "customs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alfândega

🇮🇳 सीमा शुल्क

🇩🇪 Zoll

🇮🇩 pabean

🇺🇦 митниця

🇵🇱 cło

🇯🇵 税関 (ぜいかん)

🇫🇷 douane

🇪🇸 aduanas

🇹🇷 gümrük

🇰🇷 세관

🇸🇦 جمارك

🇨🇿 celnice

🇸🇰 colnica

🇨🇳 海关 (hǎiguān)

🇸🇮 carina

🇮🇸 tollur

🇰🇿 кеден

🇬🇪 საბაჟო

🇦🇿 gömrük

🇲🇽 aduanas

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,177, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3174 attributed
3175 clients
3176 rubber
3177 customs
3178 moisture
3179 conception
3180 amongst
...