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

By doing so, companies not only contribute to solving the climate crisis but also position themselves as leaders in an evolving market where sustainability is becoming a key driver of consumer choice and investor interest. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 18 Sep. 2024

Either way, lower rates and strong consumer spending should benefit retailers. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2024

The attorney general also oversees specialized areas like consumer protection and Medicaid fraud. —Nadia Scharf, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Sep. 2024

If the job market falters, that could translate into a sharp pullback in consumer spending, spelling trouble for the US economy. —Bryan Mena, CNN, 17 Sep. 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