price index

noun

1. an index of the changes in the prices of goods and services, based on the prices of the same goods and services at a period arbitrarily selected as a base, usually expressed as 100.

Word History and Origins

Origin of price index¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Inflation is causing the price of many basic food and household goods to increase; in July, the consumer price index rose by 2.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

From Salon

That's why there was so much focus on the producer price index, which measures wholesale prices commanded by US producers before they hit consumers, offering a clue to what's coming.

From BBC

The producer price index, which measures the selling price commanded by US producers, jumped 0.9% from June to July, after being flat the previous month, according to the Labor Department.

From BBC

Data on Saturday showed China's consumer price index dropped 0.1 percent in April, the third month in a row of decline as consumers hold back from spending and businesses drop prices to compete for customers.

From BBC

The spike has contributed to an overall rise in grocery prices, which increased half a percent last month, the Labor Department’s consumer price index report released this week found.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consumer price index 
• retail price index 
• wholesale price index