grocer

noun

gro·​cer ˈgrō-sər  -shər 

: 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

Meijer’s new ad sale day also coincides with sales at other area grocers. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025

The outbreak was forcing a shortage of eggs as well, leading some grocers to restrict how many dozens of eggs consumers could buy per visit. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

Publix isn’t the only grocer opening a store this month. —Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025

New York City is abuzz with news that the celebrity-favorite Southern California grocer Erewhon is slated for a members-only club to be opened by the founder of fashion brand Kith. —Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for grocer

• closer
• grosser
• greengrocer

Kids Definition

grocer

noun

gro·​cer ˈgrō-sər 

: a dealer in food and household supplies