consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər How to pronounce consumer (audio)
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 noun

Examples of consumer in a Sentence

Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web Cross-platform marketing and targeting marketing differently based on who the platform will reach, creating and staying connected to consumer communities and the growing importance of social media were all topics of discussion. Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024 Huawei’s rise Chinese consumers could be attracted by the price of Huawei’s 5G phone, which is cheaper than Apple’s iPhone. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consumer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consumer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near consumer

Cite this Entry

“Consumer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumer. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

consumer

noun
con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər How to pronounce consumer (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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