grinder

noun

grind·​er ˈgrīn-dər 

1

a

: molar

b

grinders plural : teeth

2

: one that grinds

3

: a machine or device for grinding

4

: submarine entry 2 sense 2

5

: an athlete who succeeds through hard work and determination rather than exceptional skill

Synonyms of grinder

• submarine
• hero
• sub
• torpedo

Examples of grinder in a Sentence

ordered a meatball grinder from the beach's concession stand

Recent Examples on the Web

Footage from museum cameras showed that the two who broke into the ornate Apollo Gallery used grinders to cut into jewelry display cases. —CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025

This grinder is compact and easy to store. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025

From an electric salt and pepper grinder that saves your wrists to an Echo Pop speaker that streamlines your day (and gives you weather on command), there’s no shortage of budget-friendly finds that feel surprisingly thoughtful. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025

The blonde Italian bombshell’s rise to stardom has been in the making for years as she’s been put through the Hollywood grinder. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing grinder

• organ-grinder

Rhymes for grinder

• binder
• blinder
• finder
• kinder
• minder
• pinder
• bookbinder
• factfinder
• pathfinder
• reminder
• sidewinder
• viewfinder

Kids Definition

grinder

noun

grind·​er ˈgrīn-dər 

1

: one that grinds

2

: a large sandwich on a long split roll