grocery

noun

gro·​cery ˈgrōs-rē How to pronounce grocery (audio)
ˈgrō-sə-;
ˈgrōsh-rē How to pronounce grocery (audio)
plural groceries
1
groceries plural : the food and supplies sold by a grocer
—usually singular in British usage
2
: a grocer's store

Examples of grocery in a Sentence

She stopped to pick up some groceries for supper.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eight in 10 Americans believe attacking Iran increased the cost of gas and groceries, and a majority disapprove of the war in Iran according to a new University of Massachusetts Amherst poll. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Similar South Asian grocery and culinary concepts have opened in Charlotte in recent years, including Triveni Supermarket and Utsav Supermarket. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 As a result, higher diesel prices now could mean higher grocery prices in the fall. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 The Democrats have established five working groups to tackle affordability issues — in housing, healthcare, child care, groceries and gas and utilities. — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grocery

Word History

Etymology

Middle English grocerye, grosery "merchandise sold by wholesalers, the Grocers' Company of London," borrowed from Anglo-French grocerie, groserie, from groser "wholesale dealer in preserved foods, spices, wine, etc." + -ie -y entry 2 — more at grocer

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grocery was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing grocery

Browse Nearby Words

grocer
grocery
grocery bag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grocery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grocery. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grocery

noun
gro·​cery ˈgrōs-(ə-)rē How to pronounce grocery (audio)
plural groceries
1
plural : food sold by a grocer
went out to buy the groceries
2
: a grocer's store
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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