dry goods

plural noun

ˈdrī-ˌgu̇dz How to pronounce dry goods (audio)
1
: grocery items (such as tobacco, sugar, flour, and coffee) that do not contain liquid
2
: textiles, ready-to-wear clothing, and notions as distinguished especially from hardware and groceries

Examples of dry goods in a Sentence

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.
Store dry goods in clear jars to keep things streamlined and cohesive. — Jane Kim, The Spruce, 11 June 2026 As history tells it, Strauss was a dry goods merchant in San Francisco at the height of the gold rush. — Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 Use the four adjustable shelves to store dry goods or cleaning supplies, and leave room on top for a decorative touch or additional storage. — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 These five-and-ten or dimestores sold general merchandise– dry goods, clothing, toys, hardware, and sometimes a soda fountain—all in one place. — Dawn Thilmany, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dry goods

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry goods was in 1657

Rhymes for dry goods

See All Rhymes for dry goods

Browse Nearby Words

Drygas
dry goods
dry-grind
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dry goods.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry%20goods. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dry goods

plural noun
ˈdrī-ˌgu̇dz How to pronounce dry goods (audio)
: cloth goods (as fabrics, lace, and ribbon)

More from Merriam-Webster on dry goods

Nglish: Translation of dry goods for Spanish Speakers

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