Definition of CONSUMPTION (original) (raw)
1
b
: use by or exposure to a particular group or audience
The document was not intended for public consumption.
2
: use of something
the jet's high consumption of fuel
the consumption of electricity
Examples of consumption in a Sentence
The jet's high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s largely expected to continue this year, helping support consumption, which makes up about 70% of economic activity. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025 Bhargava points out a critical flaw in our consumption habits—our predisposition to engage only with ideas that reaffirm our beliefs, facilitated by algorithms that feed us a homogenous diet of information. —Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Along with new warning labels, the surgeon general’s report recommends reassessing the guideline limits for alcohol consumption to account for cancer risk. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2025 His Advisory points to studies that have found a clear link between alcohol consumption and a higher risk of developing seven types of cancers including breast cancer. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for consumption
Word History
Etymology
Middle English consumpcioun, from Latin consumption-, consumptio, from consumere — see consume
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of consumption was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near consumption
Cite this Entry
“Consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumption. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.
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Last Updated: 9 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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