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

Analysts predict that with SanDisk raising NAND flash prices while AI continues to consume much of the industry's capacity, consumer electronics may soon face a new wave of price increases. —CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025

Paltrow is a founder, CEO, investor and Oscar–winning artist whose vision has helped shape modern consumer culture. —Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025

The deal, which is still subject to court approval, could mean big changes for businesses and consumers. —Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

Theoretically, consumers could also face confusion and chaos at checkouts. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

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