consumer price index

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

consumer price index

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumer price index¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Those penalties also would be adjusted each year, depending on changes in the consumer price index.

From Los Angeles Times

Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index in April for the Los Angeles area was 3.9% — add 5% to that and you have this year’s limit of 8.9% for the county of Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

As a result, the consumer price index for all urban consumers hit a record this past month.

From Seattle Times

The slowdown was a relief after reports for the consumer price index, or CPI, earlier this year had consistently come in worse than expected.

From Seattle Times

Last month, consumer spending for shelter accounted for about 36% of the basket of goods and services that made up the government’s consumer price index, or CPI.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• price index
• retail price index