bodega

noun

bo·​de·​ga bō-ˈdā-gə 

1

: a storehouse for maturing wine

2

a

: wineshop

b(1)

: bar entry 1 sense 5a

(2)

: barroom

3

: a usually small grocery store in an urban area

specifically : one specializing in Hispanic groceries

Did you know?

Apothecaries, Bodegas, and Boutiques

Apothecary, bodega, and boutique may not look very similar, but they are all related both in meaning and in origin. Each of these words can be traced back to a Latin word for “storehouse” (apotheca), and each one refers in English to a retail establishment of some sort. Although bodega initially meant “a storehouse for wine,” it now most commonly refers to a grocery store in an urban area, especially one that specializes in Hispanic groceries. Boutique has also taken on new meanings: its first sense in English (“a small retail store”) is still current, but it now may also denote “a small company that offers highly specialized products or services.” Of the three words, apothecary has changed the least; it has gone from referring solely to the person who sells drugs or medicines to also naming the store where such goods are sold.

Examples of bodega in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On his sixth round hosting Saturday Night Live, John Mulaney has truly established himself as a (Port) Authority on sketches about questionable decisions like ordering lobster at a diner, using a bodega bathroom, or just the concept of Times Square in general. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024

Because Olympia denied Matty’s request to be involved in the bodega visit, Matty questions her boss about not trusting her yet. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Oct. 2024

Myers said some bodega cats across the city aren't getting proper veterinary care. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024

Said to be the first bodega to plant vines in the region, Bodegas Salentein put down roots in San Pablo in 1996. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Latin apotheca storehouse — more at apothecary

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1