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.
Just pick a few up during your usual weekly grocery shopping. — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 Every coffee, rideshare, grocery run or business expense becomes part of a future trip. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 But most of the firm's revenue is generated in South Korea, where it is best known for its fast delivery of food, groceries and consumer goods. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 For the average American who relies on a personal vehicle to get to work, take their children to school, buy groceries, and generally live their life, those costs have been adding up. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on grocery

Nglish: Translation of grocery for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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