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

While the grinder is at work, riders may see sparks fly, which is a normal part of the process. —Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

His reputation as a grinder has given him a long-term seat at the table in this league. —Dianna Russini, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

His staff features former pros, but lacks grinders, even though records obtained by USA Today as of October 2025 showed 57 coaches and support staff, including a bodyguard. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 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