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

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

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Since the middle of February, visits to grocery stores, big-box superstores and discount stores have been outpacing consumer visits to places like apparel, electronics, department stores and home-improvement stores, Hottovy said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

I passed it in the grocery store without noticing.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

He tries to cut down on trips to the grocery store to save on fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

We had to walk six whole blocks in the snow to the fancy grocery store to get them all, which you’d think wouldn’t be worth it, but Dad said it would be.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff