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.
Friction aside, specialty stores and mom-and-pop shops are rapidly retaining market share. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2026 Many of the buildings are owned by mom-and-pop landlords, with 80% comprising three to eight units and mostly tenants from lower-income families. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 Firm research shows mom-and-pop investors are typically devoting only a small portion of their overall portfolios to these speculative plays, while keeping most of their money in more traditional investments. Yun Li,kate Rooney,alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026 Lawler said firefighters did a good job of keeping the fire from spreading to the other 18 units in the mall, saving millions of dollars worth of commercial space, some of which are mom-and-pop businesses. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 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 5 Feb. 2026.

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