shopper
UK: ˈʃɒpə | US: ˈʃɑːpər
n. a person who purchases goods or services from stores
n. (informal) someone who enjoys shopping as a leisure activity
The word "shopper" combines "shop," derived from Old English "sceoppa" (a booth or stall for trade), with the agentive suffix "-er," which originates from Old English "-ere." This suffix denotes a person associated with an action or role. The term emerged in the 15th century, reflecting the societal shift toward commercial exchange and specialized roles in market economies. The logic is straightforward: "shop" (the activity/location) + "-er" (the doer) = "one who shops."
The mall was crowded with eager shoppers during the holiday sale.
As a frequent shopper, she knew all the best deals in town.
Online shoppers often compare prices before making a purchase.
The store introduced a loyalty program to reward regular shoppers.
He’s not just a casual shopper—he treats shopping like a competitive sport.