delicatessen

American  

[del-i-kuh-tes-uhn] / ˌdɛl ɪ kəˈtɛs ən /

noun

1. a store selling foods already prepared or requiring little preparation for serving, as cooked meats, cheese, salads, and the like.

2. Informal. the food products sold in such a store or at a counter.

   We're having delicatessen for dinner.

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delicatessen British  

/ ˌdɛlɪkəˈtɛsən /

noun

1. a shop selling various foods, esp unusual or imported foods, already cooked or prepared

2. such foods

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Etymology

Origin of delicatessen

1885–90, < German, plural of Delikatesse dainty < French délicatesse

Example Sentences

The city’s appetizing stores, which first appeared in the late 19th century, are a type of delicatessen that only sells products such as smoked and cured fish, dairy and nuts due to kosher law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Bunty Singh, who owns a local café and delicatessen, said he had no issue with anyone flying a national flag but also insisted there were no problems with immigration in Bridge of Weir.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

The alleged illegal activities came to light in 2021, when media reports surfaced that Hometown International, whose sole asset was a delicatessen in Paulsboro, New Jersey, had a valuation of about $100 million.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 20, 2023

I mentioned that Canter’s delicatessen on Fairfax, another hangout from the old days, was still there.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2023

He suddenly realized he was on the familiar block of low apartment buildings, a store-front church, a delicatessen, a pawn shop, and on the corner, a bar.

From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte

Related Words

• cafeteria
• deli