consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
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
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 But how Beijing will implement this vision remains unclear, and its resistance to any major stimulus measures to increase income and spur consumption has disappointed investors, sending them toward the exits. Laura He, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Even occasional energy drink consumption—only one to three times a month—was linked with more sleep issues, the study found. Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 7 Mar. 2024 What This Means For You Daily cannabis use—regardless of method of consumption—has been linked to heart problems. Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024 Moderate consumption of red wine may also be linked to lower incidence of coronary heart disease. Christian Mysliwiec, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2024 Her study was motivated by the latest Canada Food Guide which emphasizes consumption of plant protein foods. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 3 Mar. 2024 That economic influence extends well beyond day-to-day consumption. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 In addition, China, India, Russia, Africa, and Latin America are increasing their consumption of fossil fuels, and show no signs of decline. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Most cases of bovine tuberculosis in humans come from consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consumption.' 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

Middle English consumpcioun, from Latin consumption-, consumptio, from consumere — see consume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumption was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near consumption

Cite this Entry

“Consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumption. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

consumption

noun
con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
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

Medical Definition

consumption

noun
con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
1
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis
2

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