ENGLISH
REFERENCE

supermarket

n.
US //ˈsupɝˌmɑɹkɪt// UK //sˈuːpəmˌɑːkɪt// su·per·mar·ket
  1. 1 a large grocery store (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a large shop where you choose your own food and household items from shelves.

    a large self-service retail store that primarily sells food, beverages, and household supplies.

    Example

    I need to go to the supermarket to buy some milk and bread for breakfast.

    Example

    The local supermarket has expanded its organic section to meet the growing consumer demand for pesticide-free produce.

  2. 2 a retail chain (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a company that owns many large shops with the same name.

    a commercial enterprise or corporate chain that operates multiple large-scale retail outlets.

    Example

    The supermarket announced it would stop using plastic bags in all its stores.

    Example

    The multinational supermarket reported record profits this quarter despite increasing competition from discount retailers.

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  1. 3 figurative one-stop shop (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a place or service that offers many different things in one location.

    a metaphorical reference to a place, platform, or service providing a comprehensive range of options or products.

    Example

    This website is a supermarket for cheap travel deals and hotel bookings.

    Example

    The new community centre acts as a social supermarket, offering everything from legal advice to childcare and fitness classes.

Origin

American English, super- + market, 1933.

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