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

One reason investors closely watch PPI is that it, along with the consumer price index, feeds into the calculation of the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index.

From Barron's

The consumer price index has risen 26% in that same period.

From Barron's

Forget the consumer price index — this bitcoin evangelist is tracking ribeye steak prices for what he thinks is a better measure of inflation.

From MarketWatch

In the United States, the consumer price index rose 2.7 percent last month, the same rate as in November and in line with expectations.

From Barron's

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

From Barron's

Related Words

• price index
• retail price index