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

Elaborating on why this is her method for groceries, the mom said that her kids will just eat the junk food and leave the healthier options untouched. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025

So, trivial issues (e.g. forgotten chores, grocery mishaps, etc.) can be a great chance to practice the skill of pausing before responding in anger. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

These muscles support posture and strength for real-life scenarios like carrying groceries, opening tightly closed lids, and even holding onto a pole to prevent yourself from falling while taking public transportation. —Andy Fata-Chan, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025

Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson said Monday that any breaks on the state’s 4% grocery tax will be up to the legislature to consider. —Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

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