consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər 

often attributive

: one that consumes: such as

a

: one that utilizes economic goods

Many consumers make purchases on the Internet.

b

: an organism requiring complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other organisms or by eating particles of organic matter compare producer sense 3

consumership

kən-ˈsü-mər-ˌship 

noun

Examples of consumer in a Sentence

Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cross-platform marketing and targeting marketing differently based on who the platform will reach, creating and staying connected to consumer communities and the growing importance of social media were all topics of discussion. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

Huawei’s rise Chinese consumers could be attracted by the price of Huawei’s 5G phone, which is cheaper than Apple’s iPhone. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 24 Apr. 2024

The Airlines for America trade group said in a statement that its member carriers already abide by and often exceed regulation on consumer protection. —Allyson Versprille, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024

In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections. —Joel Rose, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024

Yet the numbers—which are still difficult to measure accurately since the government hasn’t released any consumption figures from consumer expenditure surveys typically conducted every five years—don’t fully reflect the unique situation of India’s labor workforce. —Astha Rajvanshi, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024

The test track isn't designed to power existing consumer EV models. —Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

While international markets reported better volume and sales growth than North America, product recalls and weaker demand from lower-income consumers hurt sales in its home market. —Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2024

Tupperware’s woes don’t seem to be the result of unpredictable market changes or fickle consumers. —Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing consumer

• anti-consumer
• consumer confidence
• consumer credit
• consumer debt
• consumer durables
• consumer goods
• consumer price index

Kids Definition

consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər 

1

: one that consumes

especially : a person who buys and uses up goods

2

: a plant or animal that requires complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other living things or eating particles of organic matter compare producer sense 3

Legal Definition

consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er

: one that utilizes economic goods

specifically : an individual who purchases goods for personal use as distinguished from commercial use