consumer price index

American  

noun

1. an index of the changes in the cost of goods and services to a typical consumer, based on the costs of the same goods and services at a base period. CPI

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consumer price index Cultural  

1. An index published by the government each month of prices for a representative sample of goods and services. The consumer price index was formerly known as the cost-of-living index.

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Etymology

Origin of consumer price index

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland estimates External link that the consumer price index will measure 3.3% year over year in March, up from 2.4% in February.

From Barron's

The current rate of inflation is 2.4%, based on the consumer price index.

From MarketWatch

Inflation has been relatively tame so far this year, with the consumer price index rising 2.4% on an annual basis in each of the past two months.

From Barron's

Proponents of indexing typically cite the consumer price index, but that’s only one of numerous inflation measures the government calculates.

From Los Angeles Times

The consumer price index showed prices rose 2.4% in February, roughly in line with estimates and matching January’s pace.

From Barron's

Related Words

• price index
• retail price index