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

According to the March 2026 consumer price index, overall inflation currently stands at 3.3% — up from 2.4% in March 2025.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

A separate gauge, CPI, or the consumer price index, is calculated by the Labor Department using a different methodology and a different basket of goods.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

The March consumer price index report, released earlier this month, offered an early read on what’s coming.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Economists expect the headline consumer price index to rise about 2.9% on year, in line with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s forecast.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 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