1
a
: the act or process of consuming
consumption of food
consumption of resources
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
3
b
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis

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.
A day later, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge — the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index — will be released covering the month of September. — Kevin Stankiewicz,zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026 In the latest polling, 52% of Catholics said moderate alcohol consumption is bad for health, alongside 56% of adults with no religious affiliation and 48% of Protestants. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 As an avid Halloween fan who loves donning costumes, she was forced to reflect on her own consumption and waste. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 The new design addresses both problems, potentially helping data centers accommodate more optical connections while reducing energy consumption. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumption. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

consumption

noun
1
a
: the act or process of consuming
b
: the amount consumed
2
a
: a gradual and continuous wasting away of the body especially from tuberculosis of the lungs

Medical Definition

consumption

noun
1
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis
2

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