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

Examples of consumer in a Sentence

Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What's more, prioritizing geopolitical loyalty over economic efficiency can increase costs for businesses and consumers, reducing competitiveness. Jay Patel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 This development is particularly significant as the fashion industry continues to navigate increasingly rigorous disclosure requirements, particularly in the European Union, alongside growing consumer pressure to back up sustainability claims with hard data. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025 American consumers and businesses buy pharmaceutical drugs, precious stones and textiles and apparel from India, among other goods. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025 Downtown Home & Garden, a century-old staple in Ann Arbor’s retail landscape, will close its doors for good on Dec. 24, citing unsustainable financial pressures, including rising rent, declining consumer spending and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consumer

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consumer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumer. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

consumer

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on consumer

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