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

See Examples For:

consumer price index

Prescription drug prices have fallen 2.9% over the last year, according to the Labor Department’s consumer price index.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026

All focus is on the release of the US consumer price index Friday, which is seen as the key to whether the Fed lifts rates next week or not.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

Where they differ from the market consensus is they voice their opinion that inflation data has been more encouraging than expected with eurozone’s core consumer price index only up 2.4% year- over-year in August.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026

Korea’s consumer price index increased 2.8% in July, slowing somewhat compared to June’s 3.2% but nonetheless it remains stubbornly above the bank’s 2% target – as it has done for more than five years.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 27, 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