grocery

noun

gro·​cery ˈgrōs-rē How to pronounce grocery (audio)
ˈgrō-sə-;
ˈgrōsh-rē How to pronounce grocery (audio)
plural groceries
1
groceries plural : the food and supplies sold by a grocer
usually singular in British usage
2
: a grocer's store

Examples of grocery in a Sentence

She stopped to pick up some groceries for supper.
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.
The neighbor then launches into an explanation about needing $20 for groceries and car repairs, a story that apparently plays out with everyone on their street. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 But from December to January, grocery prices had the sharpest increase on a monthly basis in more than two years. Jen Christensen, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025 That shift is already showing up in grocery shopping habits. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 These are great for grocery shopping or storing fruits and vegetables, helping to reduce single-use plastic. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grocery

Word History

Etymology

Middle English grocerye, grosery "merchandise sold by wholesalers, the Grocers' Company of London," borrowed from Anglo-French grocerie, groserie, from groser "wholesale dealer in preserved foods, spices, wine, etc." + -ie -y entry 2 — more at grocer

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grocery was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Grocery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grocery. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

grocery

noun
gro·​cery ˈgrōs-(ə-)rē How to pronounce grocery (audio)
plural groceries
1
plural : food sold by a grocer
went out to buy the groceries
2
: a grocer's store

More from Merriam-Webster on grocery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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