grocer

noun

gro·​cer ˈgrō-sər How to pronounce grocer (audio) -shər How to pronounce grocer (audio)
: a dealer in staple foodstuffs, meats, produce, and dairy products and usually household supplies

Examples of grocer in a Sentence

Ask your local grocer if he sells organic fruits and vegetables.
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.
This may not be the grocer’s only expansion plan in Colorado. Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025 The drinks are available nationwide on Amazon and in-store at Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway and more grocers in California. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Blox and its partner eventually landed specialty grocer Real Produce International Market to fill the long-empty grocery store space in the complex on El Camino Real. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 The co-op grocer is in partnership with Weaver Street Market, which has four stores in the Raleigh region. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grocer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English grocer, grosser "wholesale dealer in preserved foods, spices, wine, etc.," borrowed from Anglo-French groser, grosser, grossour (Middle French grossier), from gros "the greater part, the bulk," en gros "wholesale, in bulk" (derivative of gros, adjective, "large, great, coarse") + -er, -our -er entry 2 — more at gross entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grocer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grocer. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

grocer

noun
gro·​cer ˈgrō-sər How to pronounce grocer (audio)
: a dealer in food and household supplies

More from Merriam-Webster on grocer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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