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 discount grocer has nearly 100 stores across North Carolina, including spots in Apex, Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh and Wilmington. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026

As any loyal Trader Joe's shopper knows, the popular grocer loves to introduce new products throughout the year, especially around the start of seasons. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026

The recall notice, which didn’t mention how this happened, was posted first among the nation’s leading grocers by Publix. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026

From legacy grocers like Stamoolis to newer boutiques and coffee shops, these businesses are what give the Strip its flavor and help define Pittsburgh’s culture. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 19 June 2026

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