mom-and-pop

adjective

ˈmäm-ən(d)-ˈpäp 

1

: being or relating to a small owner-operated business

a mom-and-pop grocery

2

: small-scale

Examples of mom-and-pop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Denver lately has been experiencing a vinyl-culture renaissance, with a steady stream of listening bars, mom-and-pop retailers, and all-vinyl dance parties filling up empty spaces and calendar spots. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 8 July 2026

In contrast to older mom-and-pop businesses, national corporate chain motels, restaurants and gas stations dominated the new interstate highway exits. — Daniel Milowski, The Conversation, 29 June 2026

Meanwhile, some restaurant owners and hospitality experts argue the law will create undue burdens on mom-and-pop businesses (such as paying to reprint menus). — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026

See our article about the Burleson stretch of firework stands with both small mom-and-pop shops and the big corporations. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for mom-and-pop

• barbershop
• countertop
• lollipop
• mountaintop
• photoshop
• tabletop
• turboprop
• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop