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 consumer price index rose 0.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis — the largest monthly increase in three years — pushing the annual inflation rate to 4.2%.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

U.S. inflation is over double the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, with the consumer price index rising 4.2% year over year in May.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Wednesday brings the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index for May, which is expected to reflect a 4.2% year-over-year jump, four tenths of a percentage point more than April’s reading.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the consumer price index for May.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Inflation shall be measured by means of the consumer price index on a comparable basis, taking into account differences in national definitions.

From The Treaty of the European Union, Maastricht Treaty, 7th February, 1992 by European Union

Related Words

• price index
• retail price index