consumption
noun
con·sump·tion
kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən 
1
a
: the act or process of consuming
consumption of food
consumption of resources
b
: use by or exposure to a particular group or audience
The document was not intended for public consumption.
2
: use of something
the jet's high consumption of fuel
the consumption of electricity
3
a
b
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis
Examples of consumption in a Sentence
The jet's high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.
Recent Examples on the Web
It's also linked with ideas about women and their sexuality and consumption.
—
Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Pipes, in particular, have drawn even stronger public opposition than other treatment and harm reduction services, like the opening of new methadone clinics or even supervised consumption sites.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
As every day will contain multitudes, from brunch with a panoramic view as your pleasing side order to people-watching on the banks of the Tagus, the best daytime looks cover all your bases (coffee, culture, and custard-tart consumption).
—Natalie Hammond, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Overall consumption across all platforms increased 39% versus Beijing 2022 at the comparable stage.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consumption
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Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Pipes, in particular, have drawn even stronger public opposition than other treatment and harm reduction services, like the opening of new methadone clinics or even supervised consumption sites.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
As every day will contain multitudes, from brunch with a panoramic view as your pleasing side order to people-watching on the banks of the Tagus, the best daytime looks cover all your bases (coffee, culture, and custard-tart consumption).
—Natalie Hammond, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Overall consumption across all platforms increased 39% versus Beijing 2022 at the comparable stage.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consumption
Cite this Entry
“Consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumption. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
consumption
noun
con·sump·tion
kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən
1
a
: the act or process of consuming
b
: the amount consumed
2
a
: a gradual and continuous wasting away of the body especially from tuberculosis of the lungs
b
Medical Definition
consumption
noun
con·sump·tion
kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən
1
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis
2
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