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 grocer is closing a retail site in Fort Worth and another in Euless, according to letters sent to the Texas Workforce Commission. —Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026

Instead, check your local farmers markets or specialty grocers during peak season. —Kelly Vaughan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026

Outpost's co-op structure sets it apart from other grocers in Milwaukee. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 23 Mar. 2026

The specialty grocer recently re-released its pastel mini canvas tote bags that were met with long lines when originally released in April 2025. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 23 Mar. 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