consumer

noun

con·​sum·​er kən-ˈsü-mər 

often attributive

: one that consumes: such as

a

: one that utilizes economic goods

Many consumers make purchases on the Internet.

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

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web

So why is the company interested, from both a consumer and gaming design perspective, in rebrands like this? —Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2023

To be sure, growth is poised to slow as the Federal Reserve’s most aggressive campaign of interest rate hikes since the 1980s – aimed at bringing down inflation -- curtails consumer and business spending. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2023

All other consumer and commercial devices that weren't already redirected from Explorer to Microsoft Edge will also be affected, the company said. —Camille C. Knox, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2023

Birds, party balloons, weather balloons and trash that might be labeled UAP fill the sky, along with drones, consumer and otherwise. —Mick West, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2023

Some consumer and environmental advocates worry that the reports and concerns about grid vulnerabilities are being used to push the narrative that renewables aren’t reliable and fossil fuels are. —Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Feb. 2023

The use of chemicals in the industry of plant production is well-regulated to protect the consumer and the environment. —Chris Mckeown, The Enquirer, 11 Feb. 2023

Higher interest rates will also suppress credit demand, while sagging consumer and business confidence damp activity. —Faseeh Mangi, Bloomberg.com, 10 Feb. 2023

The legal groups—a coalition focused on immigrant, consumer, and privacy rights—are targeting a wide range of practices disproportionately punishing society’s most vulnerable. —WIRED, 8 Feb. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing consumer

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

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

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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