grocer

noun

gro·​cer ˈgrō-sər  -shər 

: a dealer in staple foodstuffs, meats, produce, and dairy products and usually household supplies

Examples of grocer in a Sentence

Ask your local grocer if he sells organic fruits and vegetables.

Recent Examples on the Web

The outbreak was forcing a shortage of eggs as well, leading some grocers to restrict how many dozens of eggs consumers could buy per visit. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Sep. 2025

When the grocer’s bank receives the $100 and the grocer holds the $100 in its account, the grocer accepts a series of risks. —Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

That’s why GoodRx has partnered with over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, from national chains to regional grocers, and recently launched its Community Link program for independent pharmacies. —Wendy Barnes, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

Meijer’s new ad sale day also coincides with sales at other area grocers. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English grocer, grosser "wholesale dealer in preserved foods, spices, wine, etc.," borrowed from Anglo-French groser, grosser, grossour (Middle French grossier), from gros "the greater part, the bulk," en gros "wholesale, in bulk" (derivative of gros, adjective, "large, great, coarse") + -er, -our -er entry 2 — more at gross entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grocer

• closer
• grosser
• greengrocer

Kids Definition

grocer

noun

gro·​cer ˈgrō-sər 

: a dealer in food and household supplies