grocery

noun

gro·​cery ˈgrōs-rē 

ˈgrō-sə-;

ˈgrōsh-rē 

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

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

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

Phrases Containing grocery

• do (one's) grocery shopping
• go grocery shopping
• grocery bag
• grocery cart
• grocery list
• grocery store

Video

How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

Is there one standard way?

Kids Definition

grocery

noun

gro·​cery ˈgrōs-(ə-)rē 

plural groceries

1

plural : food sold by a grocer

went out to buy the groceries

2

: a grocer's store