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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Linkin Park manages to push three distinct projects north on the same chart at the same time, as consumption of the Grammy-winning act’s catalog continues to grow. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 And notably, the generation’s alcohol consumption is now in line with previous generations who experienced a similar uptick in drinking in their 20s. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 July 2025 As Indian cinema continues to gain global recognition and streaming platforms reshape content consumption, Magdum’s leadership of NFDC represents a crucial bridge between preserving the country’s cinematic past and nurturing its digital future. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 July 2025 Inflation on food purchased for home consumption (typically at supermarkets) has been worse: up 27%. Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for consumption

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumption. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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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