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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of consumer price index

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Wednesday’s producer price report followed a Tuesday consumer price index reading showing headline inflation running at 3.8% annually, the fastest pace since May 2023.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Citi economists calculate that core PCE inflation increased 0.3% on a rounded basis in April, an uptick from their 0.2% estimate coming off Tuesday’s consumer price index data.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Wholesale prices rose faster than expected in April, coming on the heels of Tuesday’s hot consumer price index report.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

While the “core” component of the consumer price index has been mild, the below chart shows core inflation in the personal-consumption expenditures index jumping in 2026.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 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