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

Nonetheless, many North Texans won’t have to run out to the store during the winter storm; grocers have been swamped with people this week who have cleared out the meat, eggs, bread and other storm staples. —Star-Telegram Staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2026

Already, many grocers and other retailers have grappled with massive demand this week as shoppers left some shelves bare for items such as bottled water, bread and meat. —Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026

Charlotte grocer offers storm preparation tips The Publix website has tips on getting prepared, including an emergency supplies checklist. —Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026

Since Eddie's closed, neighbors have been hungry for either the store to reopen or a new grocer to take its place. —Dennis Valera, CBS News, 21 Jan. 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