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 company faces a competitive lag in AI compared to Windows and Android, and consumer enthusiasm for AI is reportedly waning due to privacy concerns. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The opening game of the Fuping county league season in May generated over 200,000 renminbi (nearly $30,000) in consumer spending, event officials told CNN. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

As health officials continue investigating the outbreak, consumers don’t need to avoid fresh produce altogether. — Olivia Laborde, AJC.com, 21 July 2026

Along with the dozen states, the merger is being challenged in court by a group of consumers, the Writers Guild of America and Paramount shareholders. — Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 21 July 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