consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər 

often attributive

: one that consumes: such as

a

: one that utilizes economic goods

Many consumers shop online.

b

: an organism requiring complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other organisms or by eating particles of organic matter compare producer sense 3

consumership

kən-ˈsü-mər-ˌship 

noun

Examples of consumer in a Sentence

Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawsuits make similar arguments that the deal will lead to higher prices for consumers and stifle local journalism. —Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026

But trial attorney advocacy organizations, and academic legal experts who don’t have a dog in the fight, say those attacks obscure the high stakes for consumers writ large. —Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 21 Mar. 2026

The consumer-grade fireworks sold to the public are regulated by federal law, Weimer said. —Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing consumer

• anti-consumer
• consumer confidence
• consumer credit
• consumer debt
• consumer durables
• consumer goods
• consumer price index

Rhymes for consumer

• perfumer
• antitumor
• pseudotumor
• boomer
• humor
• humour
• plumer
• rumor
• rumour
• tumor
• tumour

Kids Definition

consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər 

1

: one that consumes

especially : a person who buys and uses up goods

2

: a plant or animal that requires complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other living things or eating particles of organic matter compare producer sense 3

Legal Definition

consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er

: one that utilizes economic goods

specifically : an individual who purchases goods for personal use as distinguished from commercial use