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

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

This year for the first time, Germany imported more capital goods from China than it exported there.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Prices of nonfuel industrial supplies and materials, as well as consumer goods, more than offset lower prices for capital goods and foods, feeds and beverages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

Peculiarity of Land as a Capital Good.—One reservation needs to be made when we call capital goods perishable.

From Essentials of Economic Theory As Applied to Modern Problems of Industry and Public Policy by Clark, John Bates