grinder

noun

grind·​er ˈgrīn-dər How to pronounce grinder (audio)
1
a
: molar
b
grinders plural : teeth
2
: one that grinds
3
: a machine or device for grinding
4
5
: an athlete who succeeds through hard work and determination rather than exceptional skill

Examples of grinder in a Sentence

ordered a meatball grinder from the beach's concession stand
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Told through the eyes of a group of Spartans sent into the meat grinder to deal with an unstoppable alien invasion, The Fall of Reach is a much more desperate, hopeless affair. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025 In late August, Police released security camera footage of Phillips and one of the children using an angle grinder to break into a cooler outside a convenience store. Todd Symons, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 In addition to the clipping tools, the 7-in-1 pet grooming appliance also comes with a dog paw trimmer, a nail grinder, a deshedding tool and brushes to keep your pup’s hair tangle-free. Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2025 The move provides mountain bikers, trail runners, gravel grinders, moto riders, and hikers with instant, phone-free access to real-time trail maps and activity statistics—directly on their wrist. Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grinder

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of grinder was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grinder. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

grinder

noun
grind·​er ˈgrīn-dər How to pronounce grinder (audio)
1
: one that grinds
2
: a large sandwich on a long split roll

More from Merriam-Webster on grinder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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