ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grocery store

n. countable
Definition

n. a shop where you buy food and household items — like fruit, milk, and cleaning supplies.

n. a retail establishment that primarily sells food products and various household supplies.


SIMPLE

I need to buy some milk at the grocery store.

CONTEXTUAL

Opening a small grocery store in the neighborhood made it much easier for elderly residents to buy fresh produce daily.

COMPLEX

The rise of digital platforms has forced every traditional grocery store to reconsider its logistics, balancing physical shelf space with the demands of home delivery services.

Usage

Commonly used in American English; British English sleepers often prefer 'supermarket' or 'corner shop' depending on the size.

Last updated July 31, 2026