capital goods

American  

plural noun

Economics.

1. machines and tools used in the production of other goods (contrasted with consumer goods).

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capital goods British  

plural noun

1. Also called: producer goods.  economics goods that are themselves utilized in the production of other goods rather than being sold to consumers Compare consumer goods

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capital goods Cultural  

1. Goods used in the production of commodities; producers' goods. (Compare consumer goods.)

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Etymology

Origin of capital goods

First recorded in 1895–1900

Compare meaning

How does capital-goods compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• consumer vs. capital goods

Example Sentences

However, with elevated energy prices likely to weigh on the global economy, Yamaguchi expects demand for Japanese products to fade, especially for non-AI-related capital goods.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Prices surged early this year for capital goods.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The losers are sectors that depend on oil as an input, such as capital goods manufacturers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

"Producers of capital goods, including those manufacturing defence equipment, are in particular benefiting," said the economy ministry in a statement.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

More than half the industrial establishment was devoted to the production of capital goods.

From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Baluyut, Violeta D.