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

See Examples For:

consumer price index

Inflation cooled more than expected in June, with the consumer price index rising 3.5% from a year earlier, down from 4.2% in May and below economist expectations of 3.8%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

The consumer price index sank 0.4% last month to mark the first drop since May 2020, when the coronvirus pandemic was still raging.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

For the week ahead, investors will watch Tuesday’s U.S. consumer price index inflation data as they look to plot the Federal Reserve’s rate-setting path.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 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

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