customary

[kuhs-tuh-mer-ee]

adjective

1. according to or depending on custom; usual; habitual.

   Synonyms: regular, common, conventional, accustomed, wonted
   Antonyms: uncommon

2. of or established by custom rather than law.

3. Law.,  defined by long-continued practices.

   the customary service due from land in a manor.

noun

plural

customaries 

1. a book or document containing the legal customs or customary laws of a locality.

2. any body of such customs or laws.

customary

/ ˈkʌstəmərɪ, -təmrɪ /

adjective

1. in accordance with custom or habitual practice; usual; habitual

2. law

   1. founded upon long continued practices and usage rather than law

   2. (of land, esp a feudal estate) held by custom

noun

1. 1. a statement in writing of customary laws and practices

   2. a body of such laws and customs

Other Word Forms

• customarily adverb
• noncustomarily adverb
• noncustomary adjective
• uncustomarily adverb
• uncustomary adjective
• customariness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of customary¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; 1515–25 for current senses; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin custumārius, customārius, equivalent to costum(i)a, “custom” (also in Vulgar Latin; custom ) + -ārius -ary

Synonym Study

See usual.

Example Sentences

TELLURIDE, Colo. — It’s customary at Telluride for a director premiering a movie to step onstage, say a few words and slip away before the lights go down.

From Los Angeles Times

He and his new wife, Mirna, exchanged the customary promises to love and care for one another in sickness and in health.

From Los Angeles Times

Much of the American political and social landscape of almost two centuries ago was eerily familiar, even if the labels were the reverse of what we perceive as customary today.

From Salon

But he was determined to bow out of the public eye with a customary bang.

From BBC

The court also heard that the islands are home to a "distinctive customary culture known as Ailan Kastom", where the residents have a "unique spiritual and physical connection" to the islands and waters.

From BBC

Related Words

• accepted 
• traditional