What is "core inflation"

n. 1 (context economics English) Inflation without the increase or decrease of prices in some sectors (usually food and energy). 2 (context economics in the Eurozone English) Inflation without energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices.

Core inflation represents the long run trend in the price level. In measuring long run inflation, transitory price changes should be excluded. One way of accomplishing this is by excluding items frequently subject to volatile prices, like food and energy.