grocery

American  

[groh-suh-ree, groh-shree] / ˈgroʊ sə ri, ˈgroʊ ʃri /

noun

plural

groceries

1. Also called grocery store.  a store that sells perishable and nonperishable food supplies and certain nonedible household items, such as soaps and paper products.

2. Usually groceries; grocery food and other items sold at a grocery store or sold by a grocer.

3. the business of a grocer.

4. Southwestern U.S. (formerly)

   1. a saloon or bar.

   2. a liquor store.

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grocery British  

/ ˈɡrəʊsərɪ /

noun

1. the business or premises of a grocer

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Etymology

Origin of grocery

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English grocerie; grocer + -ie -y ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Mamdani touted progress on signature campaign promises, such as launching city-run grocery stores -- the first of which will open next year -- and providing free childcare for young children.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Inside the local grocery shop, owner Andrea explains why the stakes feel so personal.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

“Swalwell faces assault claims,” read the front page of the East Bay Times, stacked up at the Lucky grocery story around the corner from Swalwell’s rental home.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

In the Slate Plus episode: Do men suck at grocery shopping?

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

But instead of explaining this, Bat asked, “Did you go to the grocery store and get more vanilla yogurt?”

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold