consume
verb (used with object)
to destroy or expend by use; use up.
had consumed
-
past perfectof consume.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The world economy had consumed nearly as many materials in the previous six years as in the entirety of the 20th century, it said.
From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026
By the time I went to college, I had consumed more candy than most people do in five lifetimes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026
The individual had consumed high amounts of animal protein, including fish and possibly shellfish that fed on ancient carbon sources, creating a known "reservoir" effect in the bones.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 14, 2025
It is impossible to know if they had consumed the material.
From BBC ● Mar. 20, 2025
She’d ended up saying nothing, and Pearl had consumed a bowl of cereal in silence and returned to bed.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
