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
Examples of consumer in a Sentence
Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Colorado argued that states have the right to regulate the medical industry as a means of promoting consumer health and safety.
—
Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
In January, a DNA profile was successfully developed and uploaded to a direct-to-consumer ancestry database while a genealogist assigned to the Riverside Cold Case Homicide Team was able to positively identify a potential match to a close relative in Alabama.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
As the war in Iran rages on, both rising oil prices and consumers’ decreasing desire to jet-set in uncertain times hang like a dark cloud over the industry, threatening to upend air travel across the world.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Some commentators, such as Ars Technica, which covered the news, think that the ruling could encourage more consumer advocacy versus streaming services outside Italy.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consumer
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Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
In January, a DNA profile was successfully developed and uploaded to a direct-to-consumer ancestry database while a genealogist assigned to the Riverside Cold Case Homicide Team was able to positively identify a potential match to a close relative in Alabama.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
As the war in Iran rages on, both rising oil prices and consumers’ decreasing desire to jet-set in uncertain times hang like a dark cloud over the industry, threatening to upend air travel across the world.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Some commentators, such as Ars Technica, which covered the news, think that the ruling could encourage more consumer advocacy versus streaming services outside Italy.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consumer
Cite this Entry
“Consumer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumer. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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