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

Over the past year, Charlotte-area businesses like Kindred’s, and ranging from Latin grocers and Asian marts to builders and auto shops, have felt the effects of tariffs with rising costs and customer concerns. —Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

The project received backlash from some residents who sent emails, letters and a petition with 118 signatures opposed to bringing a large grocer to the area. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026

The price differences were even larger when the group factored in warehouse clubs, such as Costco, and specialty grocers like Whole Foods. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026

Discount grocer Aldi has been drawing in higher-income shoppers seeking value — and plans to open 180 new stores this year. —Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 19 Feb. 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