grocery

noun

gro·​cery ˈgrōs-rē 

ˈgrō-sə-;

ˈgrōsh-rē 

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

Meanwhile, employees at both DFW Airport and Love Field are collecting donations – including nonperishable food, hygiene items, baby supplies, and gas or grocery gift cards – to further support federal aviation workers affected by the shutdown. —Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

All three largely believe the war caused the high gas and grocery prices that are crippling the nation’s economy. —Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could have a devastating effect on the world’s food supply, driving up grocery prices and sending impoverished countries into food insecurity. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026

Each Sunday Backpacks distributes over 1,000 pounds of fresh food to roughly 200 families through a free farmers market, and also partners with TIAS (Take Inspired Action Siempre) to provide additional groceries and pantry staples beyond fresh produce. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing grocery

• do (one's) grocery shopping
• go grocery shopping
• grocery bag
• grocery cart
• grocery list
• grocery store

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Kids Definition

grocery

noun

gro·​cery ˈgrōs-(ə-)rē 

plural groceries

1

plural : food sold by a grocer

went out to buy the groceries

2

: a grocer's store