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

James MacDonald | Bloomberg | Getty Images The focus on the Rogue hybrid comes after Nissan and other automakers lost billions of dollars on all-electric vehicles amid a pullback in regulatory support as well as lackluster consumer demand. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026

Finding the right styles for consumers doesn’t automatically mean the size will fit. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

The scan should be ordered and interpreted by a physician who knows your health history, not purchased as a standalone consumer product. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026

Earlier this year, consumers had also filed a complaint challenging the purchase. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 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