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 data shows that Americans also paid off credit card debt and topped off their savings accounts, along with paying for essentials like groceries and rent. —Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026

Gas is $4-plus and the cost of groceries keeps rising. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

And some of the best savings can be found on the store’s private-label Kirkland Signature products, which offer high-quality versions of everything from groceries to household essentials to over-the-counter medications—all at a fraction of the price of competitors. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2026

Widdoss and his family are already struggling with the high cost of groceries, clothing, home repairs and other expenses. —Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026

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

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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