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

Proponents of indexing typically cite the consumer price index, but that’s only one of numerous inflation measures the government calculates.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

The House also replaced its traditional Seattle consumer price index with a slower-growing national CPI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

On deck this week are February’s consumer price index, January’s personal consumption expenditures index, more jobs news, and Michigan’s latest consumer sentiment reading.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

The key consumer price index is due on Wednesday.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 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