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

Examples of consumer in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Companies that adopt water-efficient technologies early will be better positioned to comply with regulations, maintain credibility with consumers, and secure access to reliable, resilient supply chains. —Ken Katz, Sourcing Journal, 5 May 2025

As consumers become more discerning, authenticity and transparency in influencer-brand partnerships will be crucial. —Billee Howard, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

American consumers made only 16% of their payments in cash in 2023, according to the Federal Reserve. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 4 May 2025

The debate over local grocery taxes also comes at a time when many consumers are worried about rising food prices. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 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