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

Favorable consumer exposure should continue to help Darden Restaurants gain market share, according to Goldman Sachs. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025

In the span of seven years, the direct-to-consumer brand — which offers unfussy men’s and women’s apparel and accessories with street credibility — has expanded its footprint and currently counts nine flagships in Spain, Italy and Amsterdam. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

After all, the prices of new vehicles continue to be a challenge for many consumers. —Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025

Its global reach through supply chains, political influence, and consumers is substantial. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 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