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

In the era of dynamic pricing and electronic points of sale, the technology exists to provide almost minute-by-minute inflation readings that would allow for a far more accurate, up-to-date consumer price index.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Indeed, the consumer price index in March registered its biggest increase since mid-2022.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

While the statistics agency previously pulled legal services prices from the consumer price index, it switched to using PPI data in February.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

The day’s big headline focused on prices, with the release of the consumer price index for March showing inflation heating up.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

The Boskin Commission con�cluded in 1996 that the consumer price index overstates the actual rise in the cost of living by a percentage point a year.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas

Related Words

• price index
• retail price index