consumer price index

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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumer price index¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

With the government shutdown approaching 20 days, sidelining almost all federal economic data, we get an important inflation report on Friday with the release of the consumer price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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With the government shutdown approaching 20 days, sidelining most federal economic data, investors get a rare set of data Friday with the release of the consumer price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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The Department of Labor has recalled a small number of employees to publish the September consumer price index on a delayed basis on Oct.

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

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The consumer price index reading for September won’t arrive until at least Oct.

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Related Words

• price index 
• retail price index