# shopkeeper

/ˈʃɑpˌkipɝ/ (US) · /ʃˈɒpkiːpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shopkeeper
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a person who owns or works in a small shop. You usually see them in places like a local grocery store or a hardware shop.

For teachers: a person who owns or manages a small retail establishment. Often used in British English to distinguish from a larger store owner.

## Examples

- The shopkeeper greeted me with a friendly smile.
- The local shopkeeper knows every customer by name and always keeps a small stock of local produce.
- While large corporations can afford to replace staff, a small shopkeeper must often rely on personal relationships to maintain a loyal customer base.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.