1
: being or relating to a small owner-operated business
a mom-and-pop grocery
2

Examples of mom-and-pop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For five decades, the 70-year-old ran a mom-and-pop grocery store in Palmetto along Florida's Gulf Coast. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026 The biggest chunk of that appears to be smaller mom-and-pop landlords rather than giant corporations. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Formerly a part of California’s epic Highway 395, the district is lined with stellar restaurants and mom-and-pop businesses. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026 These mom-and-pop spots may not be fancy, but the food is great and the service is friendly! Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mom-and-pop

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of mom-and-pop was in 1945

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Cite this Entry

“Mom-and-pop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mom-and-pop. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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