consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of consuming
consumption of food
consumption of resources
b
: use by or exposure to a particular group or audience
The document was not intended for public consumption.
2
: use of something
the jet's high consumption of fuel
the consumption of electricity
3
b
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis

Examples of consumption in a Sentence

The jet's high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
California residents are urged to avoid all wild mushroom consumption, keep children and pets away from mushrooms in outdoor areas, and seek immediate medical care if ingestion is suspected, even before symptoms begin. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 16 May 2026 In 2025, Venezuela was supplying Cuba with about 26,500 barrels per day, Reuters reported -- or about 24% of the daily consumption. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 May 2026 In doing so, the researchers were able to cut down on their consumption of materials by nearly 40 percent, without compromising any of their design objectives. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026 Cuba has had to import sugar in recent years for domestic consumption, and even imports from the United States. New York Times, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for consumption

Word History

Etymology

Middle English consumpcioun, from Latin consumption-, consumptio, from consumere — see consume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumption was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumption. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

consumption

noun
con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of consuming
b
: the amount consumed
2
a
: a gradual and continuous wasting away of the body especially from tuberculosis of the lungs

Medical Definition

consumption

noun
con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
1
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis
2

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