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

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 Word Forms

• consumership noun
• anticonsumer noun
• nonconsumer adjective
• preconsumer 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

There are a few ways eagle-eyed consumers can spot a deepfake, according to Norton.

From Los Angeles Times

But so far, there are no indications that the radioactive shrimp has caused any illnesses among consumers.

From Los Angeles Times

But regulators can notice when there is a pattern of consumer complaints and then investigate further for possible enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

Michelob Ultra has become the top-selling beer in the US two year's after its parent company's Bud Light brand lost the title following a consumer backlash.

From BBC

Except for the wealthy, increases in consumer spending are hitting a wall, “decelerating from the robust pace seen in late 2024,” in the words of Fitch Ratings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buyer 
• customer 
• purchaser www.thesaurus.com
• shopper 
• user