consume

verb

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con·sume | \ kən-ˈsüm

consumed; consuming

Definition of consume

transitive verb

1 : to do away with completely : destroy Fire consumed several buildings.

2a : to spend wastefully : squander consumed his inheritance on luxuries

b : use up Writing consumed much of his time.

3a : to eat or drink especially in great quantity consumed several bags of pretzels

b : to enjoy avidly : devour … mysteries, which she consumes for fun …— Eden Ross Lipson

4 : to engage fully : engross consumed with curiosity

5 : to utilize as a customer consume goods and services

intransitive verb

1 : to waste or burn away : perish

2 : to utilize economic goods

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About consume

Synonyms for consume

Synonyms

devour,
eat (up)

Examples of consume in a Sentence

The new lights consume less electricity. She's making an effort to live more simply and consume less. Hundreds of books were consumed in the fire.

Recent Examples on the Web Equipped with these tools, Gen Zs have become known for their desire to participate rather than simply consume content. — Orawan Limnalong, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2022 So, too, for the graying demographic trend, since older adults typically don't consume as much as younger households, easing pressure on new homes, cars, furniture, clothing and so on. — Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 13 Apr. 2022 Apparently, this little baby can consume up to 5 lbs. — Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 31 Mar. 2022 But the more serious problem going forward may be the changing nature of the way Americans consume entertainment. — Chris Isidore, CNN, 2 Dec. 2021 But as digital platforms have changed the way people consume content and shop, advertisers have had to adjust to using new targeting mechanisms, as well as complex data and technology systems. — Alexandra Bruell, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2021 Meanwhile, streaming on mobile devices as well as TV tends to be the dominant way that people consume comedy specials. — Andy Meek, BGR, 9 July 2021 Instead of letting that frustration consume him, Ayton went to work in helping the Suns sweep the regular-season series over Minnesota, 3-0. — Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 24 Mar. 2022 Envy and good old-fashioned insecurity are at least as prone to consume us with doubts about our own self-worth. — Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consume.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.