deli

noun

ˈde-lē 

plural delis

: a store where ready-to-eat food products (such as cooked meats and prepared salads) are sold : delicatessen

You shuffle off to the deli and pick up a pastrami-on-rye and an egg cream. The bald man behind the counter whistles cheerfully as he slices the meat.

—Jay McInerney

Sixth Avenue in midtown was once lined with convenient, low-priced delis, cafeterias, coffee shops, and the like.

—Brendan Gill

also : the food sold at a delicatessen

If you're hungry for deli in Miami, only the Rascal House will do.

—Norman Kolpas

… a neat, orderly, well-lighted place so clean you could eat deli off the floor …

—Jack Fincher

—often used before another noun

deli meats/platters

waiting in line at the deli counter

Examples of deli in a Sentence

We bought sandwiches and drinks at the deli.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, her fridge is always organized and loaded with deli containers. —Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

And yet, while ownership might have changed, the deli itself thankfully has not. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025

Kelly said the deli will have an approachable, friendly atmosphere while maintaining an upscale, modern aesthetic. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2025

Benjies deli turns 40 Customers came in droves, especially from the nearby Temple Beth Sholom, to get their hands on substantial dishes inside the venue. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deli

• belly
• felly
• jelly
• kellie
• melly
• nellie
• nelly
• shelly
• skelly
• smellie
• smelly
• tele

Kids Definition

deli

noun

ˈdel-ē 

plural delis

: delicatessen sense 2