customs
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the place at a port, airport, or border where officials check your luggage for illegal goods.
the designated area at an international entry point where travellers and goods are inspected by government officials.
Simple“It took us nearly an hour to get through customs because the airport was so busy.”
In context“After landing, passengers must proceed directly to customs to declare any restricted items or commercial goods brought from abroad.”
UsageUsually treated as a singular location despite the plural form.
Synonymsborder controlcheckpoint - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the money or taxes you must pay to the government when you bring certain goods into a country.
the duties or tolls imposed by law on imported or exported goods.
Simple“I had to pay customs on the expensive watch I bought while on holiday.”
In context“The new trade agreement significantly reduced the customs payable on electronic components imported from the manufacturing hub.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in this sense.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the government department that collects taxes on goods and stops illegal items from entering the country.
the official department or agency authorised to collect taxes and regulate the flow of goods across national borders.
Simple“Customs seized a large shipment of illegal cigarettes at the docks yesterday.”
In context“The national Customs agency has implemented more rigorous screening protocols to combat the rise in counterfeit pharmaceutical imports.”
UsageOften capitalised when referring to a specific national body.
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
the plural form of 'custom', meaning the usual ways of behaving in a particular group or society.
the plural of 'custom'; established social patterns or traditional practices specific to a particular society or period.
Simple“He spent years travelling the world to study the local customs of different tribes.”
In context“The documentary explores how ancient marriage customs have adapted to the pressures of modern urban life in the region.”
UsageThe plural of the countable noun 'custom'.
Synonyms
Usage customs officials
Plural of custom. Perhaps influenced by or taken as a corruption of customhouse, from Middle English custome hous.
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.