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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Merriam-Webster unabridged