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 food hall-grocery store combo has gained traction in Southern California as specialty grocers look to capitalize on experiential shopping, particularly among younger customers and the Hispanic and Asian communities. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025

That’s not just natural grocers like Sprouts and Fresh Thyme Market, but conventional ones like Raley’s and Kroger. —Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

These independent grocers are often the only full-service supermarket in rural and low-income areas. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 July 2025

Discount German grocer Aldi is expected to open a store at 9605 N. Tryon St. this summer. —Catherine Muccigrosso july 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 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