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

The consumer tech giant beat estimates in the fiscal fourth quarter . — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Future Games Show will go live and in person for the first time ever during next year’s Gamescom in Germany, the world’s largest annual video game trade fair and consumer event. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

The growth in pricey equipment and plastic-free pods fits a broader pattern of consumers trading up on home coffee equipment since the pandemic, said Peter Giuliano, senior adviser for research at Specialty Coffee Association. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Meanwhile, concerns over fraud are taking a more prominent position in the consumer’s mindset. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 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