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Synonyms

grinder

American  
[grahyn-der] / ˈgraɪn dər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that grinds.

  2. a kitchen device or appliance for grinding food.

  3. a sharpener of tools.

  4. a molar tooth.

  5. Chiefly New England and Inland North. hero sandwich.

  6. Informal. grinders, the teeth.


grinder British  
/ ˈɡraɪndə /

noun

  1. a person who grinds, esp one who grinds cutting tools

  2. a machine for grinding

  3. a molar tooth

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Regionalisms

See hero sandwich.

Etymology

Origin of grinder

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; grind + -er 1

Vocabulary lists containing grinder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Traditionally, the beans are ground with a tool resembling a mortar and pestle but, for the sake of speed, Netsi now uses a small electric grinder.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Larry Friedman, a lawyer at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, remembers arguing a case before Eaton over whether an industrial grinder should be deemed a shredder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

There is no doubt Norrie, a grinder with limited weapons, has maximised his talents superbly.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

The humble spice grinder that makes chopping, crushing or blitzing feel like magic.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2025

Mrs. Hidalgo smiled again and started pouring coffee beans into a large grinder.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez

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