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

The state said any consumers who have a complaint against LaFontaine Motors of Livonia should call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 6 Dec. 2024

Despite fluctuations in consumer demand, animal agriculture receives billions of dollars of public support to ensure its survival in the face of changing consumption habits. —Crystal Heath and Gene Baur, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024

The decision came in line with economists’ expectation in a Reuters poll, as India’s consumer prices inflation surged to a 14-month high of 6.21% in October, significantly higher than the central bank’s target of 4% and also above its tolerance ceiling of 6%. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024

Economists say that will almost certainly push up consumer price inflation, which has been receding from nearly double digits in 2022 but remains about a percentage point above policymakers’ 2% target for core inflation. —Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 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