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.
In her article, Jane reminds us that meat consumption is responsible for animal suffering and environmental degradation. Lisa Wade, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025 Studies have also found that water consumption directly supports cognition, attention, memory, mood and executive function. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025 The upheaval comes as brands battle to reverse a slowdown in luxury consumption worldwide, with aspirational consumers turning their backs on high-ends goods after several years of steep price increases in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 Buffett’s moves highlight a preference for sectors tied to everyday consumption and long-term goals, such as housing, energy, and consumables. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on consumption

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!