grocery

American  

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

noun

groceries plural

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

After watching the gluten-free section at her local grocery store grow, she saw an opportunity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Maybe one day, over a decade after school ended, I’d get a lot of attention for making performance art about walking to grocery stores.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

I do not believe that the entire stock market should rest on my having access to a grocery list power tool.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

For a big grocery run to prepare for a barbecue, shopping at more affordable stores like Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Lidl or even dollar stores that sell groceries can yield significant savings.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Of course Howard wasn’t supposed to be in front of the grocery store.

From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson