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

April’s consumer price index on Tuesday showed inflation jumped to a three-year high on higher energy prices.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Wholesale prices rose faster than expected in April, coming on the heels of Tuesday’s hot consumer price index report.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

While the “core” component of the consumer price index has been mild, the below chart shows core inflation in the personal-consumption expenditures index jumping in 2026.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 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