consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər 

often attributive

: one that consumes: such as

a

: one that utilizes economic goods

Many consumers shop online.

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

For brands, these partnerships offer cultural relevance, direct access to consumers, and a chance to test performance products in one of the few individual sports where personal style shines. —Jessica Schiffer, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026

Researchers have demonstrated that consumer-grade 3D printers and inexpensive materials can produce advanced optical components capable of super-resolution imaging. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026

Above all else, Gunn encourages consumers to opt for certified models, such as those with ETL or UL certifications. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026

The affected products come from five brands—Locatelli, Pinna, Boar’s Head, Sam’s Club’s brand Member’s Mark and Ambriola—and were sold directly to consumers and in large-scale sizes for restaurants. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for consumer

• perfumer
• antitumor
• pseudotumor
• boomer
• humor
• humour
• plumer
• rumor
• rumour
• tumor
• tumour

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