economic

adjective

eco·​nom·​ic ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mik How to pronounce economic (audio) ˌē-kə- How to pronounce economic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or based on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
economic growth
b
: of or relating to an economy
a group of economic advisers
c
: of or relating to economics
economic theories
2
3
: having practical or industrial significance or uses : affecting material resources
4
5
archaic : of or relating to a household or its management

Examples of economic in a Sentence

a program to prevent inflation and economic collapse the President's chief economic adviser We're looking for a more economic way of doing business.
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.
The economic divorce isn’t just about numbers, but about what money has come to symbolize in the relationship: stability, contribution or even love. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 The deal marks a momentary retreat for President Donald Trump, who had defended his steep tariffs on Chinese imports as critical to rejuvenate domestic manufacturing in the United States, even as the moves rattled global markets and stoked economic anxieties among Americans. USA Today, 17 May 2025 Power consumption is projected to reach record highs, driven by the growth of data centers, artificial intelligence, heating and transportation electrification, and increased economic activity. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025 Here’s our latest reporting on tariffs and economic policy. Ian Austen, New York Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for economic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French yconomique "relating to domestic affairs, relating to the management of a household," borrowed from Medieval Latin oeconomicus (Latin as the title of Xenophon's dialogue Oeconomicus), borrowed from Greek oikonomikós "of a householder or manager, practiced in household or financial management," from oikonómos "manager of a household, steward" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at economy entry 1

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of economic was in 1599

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Cite this Entry

“Economic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economic. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

economic

adjective
ec·​o·​nom·​ic
ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-ik,
ˌē-kə-
1
a
: of or relating to the science of economics
economic theories
b
: of, relating to, or based on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
economic growth
2
: having practical or industrial uses : affecting material resources
economic pests

More from Merriam-Webster on economic

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