mom-and-pop

adjective

ˈmäm-ən(d)-ˈpäp 

1

: being or relating to a small owner-operated business

a mom-and-pop grocery

2

: small-scale

Examples of mom-and-pop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trend kicked off a rush among investors, particularly mom-and-pop traders, to identify potential investments before they were announced, as the correct pick all but guaranteed at least an initial surge and pointed to longer-term upside. — Norah Rami, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

His first job was at age 14 in a mom-and-pop video store, where because of his age he was paid under the table in unlimited rentals. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Even after selling the team 10 months ago, morphing the Lakers from a relative mom-and-pop shop to a massive corporation, the presence of the Buss family still couldn’t be missed. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Many of the ordering systems available then were priced for chain restaurants, not mom-and-pop spots. — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for mom-and-pop

• barbershop
• countertop
• lollipop
• mountaintop
• photoshop
• tabletop
• turboprop
• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop