consumer

[ kuhn-soo-mer ]

noun

1. a person or thing that consumes.
2. Economics. a person or organization that uses a commodity or service.
3. Ecology. an organism, usually an animal, that feeds on plants or other animals.

consumer

/ kənˈsjuːmə /

noun

1. a person who acquires goods and services for his or her own personal needs Compare producer
2. a person or thing that consumes
3. usually plural ecology an organism, esp an animal, within a community that feeds upon plants or other animals See also decomposer producer

consumer

/ kən-so̅o̅′mər /

1. A heterotrophic organism that feeds on other organisms in a food chain.
2. ◆ Herbivores that feed on green plants and detritivores that feed on decaying matter are called primary consumers. Carnivores that feed on herbivores or detritivores are called secondary consumers, while those that feed on other carnivores are called tertiary consumers.
3. Compare producer

consumer

1. Someone who purchases a good for personal use.

Other Words From

• con·sumer·ship noun
• anti·con·sumer noun adjective
• noncon·sumer adjective noun
• precon·sumer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumer¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, for the earlier sense “squanderer,” 1525–35 for the current sense; Middle English; consume + -er ¹

Example Sentences

"But, those contracts also make it impossible for any newcomer in search to secure a distribution channel, and without any real possibility of reaching consumers, no one will invest in such innovation."

From BBC

Millions of consumers have switched to streaming platforms that offer fewer commercials, or none at all, and lower subscription prices.

From Los Angeles Times

The Justice Department has also sued Google over its dominance in advertising technology, and Apple for making it difficult for consumers to leave its tightly knit universe of devices and software.

From New York Times

He also pointed to declining trends in consumer spending.

From Los Angeles Times

For now, consumers are unlikely to see a surge in the price of avocados from the fire because most avocados bought in the U.S. are imported from Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buyer
• customer
• purchaser
• shopper
• user