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

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, at 52.9, was a touch below expectations of 53.4, but Wall Street was still in a jolly mood following yesterday’s cooler-than-expected consumer price index.

From Barron's

The benchmark consumer price index rose 2.4% on year for the month, unchanged from October.

From The Wall Street Journal

His comments echoed warnings by economists Thursday after a delayed US consumer price index report indicated that inflation slowed to 2.7 percent in November, from 3.0 percent in September.

From Barron's

The core consumer price index -- which excludes volatile fresh food -- came in at three percent in November, the same rate as the previous month and in line with expectations.

From Barron's

“Inflation as measured by the overall CPI has slowed to an average 2.5% pace,” she said, referring to the consumer price index.

From Salon

Related Words

• price index
• retail price index