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

So with one exception, all the grocers — Publix, Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods Market, Sedano’s, Presidente, Milam’s, Fresco y Mas — are open regular hours. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

As first reported by Crain’s, the grocer’s co-owner, Dawson Stellberger, signed a deed back in January for the two-story building in Carroll Gardens. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Last week, Aldi asked its loyal shoppers to vote on the next two flavors of the grocer’s popular Barissimo Coffee Creamer. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026

Upscale grocer Erewhon has opened its first store outside Los Angeles County, debuting at the Lakes in Thousand Oaks and bringing its viral $21 smoothies and wellness culture to Ventura County. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 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