consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

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

a

: tuberculosis

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

As media consumption habits have continued to fragment, Super Bowl ad space has become even more valuable for advertisers hoping to reach a mass audience and kickstart conversations about brands and products. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Emerging research is finding correlations between coffee consumption and telomere length. —Emma Loewe, Outside, 12 Jan. 2026

That initiative reflected on social distancing and the increasingly sole experience of film and TV consumption. —John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026

Ever since the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs 1977 Dietary Goals for Americans recommended reduced meat consumption, the meat and dairy lobbies have battled nutritionists and other health professionals for the dietary soul of the American people. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing consumption

• conspicuous consumption

Rhymes for consumption

• assumption
• presumption
• resumption
• subsumption
• gumption
• sumption

Kids Definition

consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

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

b

: tuberculosis

Medical Definition

consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis

2

: tuberculosis