Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Deli Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🥪
Add to dictionary

deli

[ˈdɛli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A shop or a part of a shop where food is sold, usually different types of cheeses, cooked meats, and salads.

Synonyms

delicatessen, food store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
deli

Commonly used in informal speech to refer to a shop that sells ready-to-eat foods like sandwiches, cold cuts, cheeses, and salads.

  • I'm going to the deli to grab a sandwich for lunch.
  • The local deli makes the best pastrami.
delicatessen

A more formal term for a shop selling prepared foods, often of high quality; might also be used to refer to a special section in a larger grocery store.

  • The delicatessen down the street has an amazing selection of imported cheeses.
  • He works at a delicatessen known for its gourmet offerings.
food store

A general term for any store that sells food items, including groceries, but does not imply ready-to-eat or specialty foods.

  • I need to buy some milk and bread, so I'm going to the food store.
  • There's a new food store opening in the neighborhood.

Examples of usage

  • Let's go to the deli and pick up some sandwiches for lunch.
  • I bought some olives from the deli for the party.
Context #2 | Noun

transport

A small truck or van used for delivering goods, especially food.

Synonyms

delivery truck, delivery van.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
deli

Use 'deli' to refer to a store or a section of a store where they sell ready-to-eat food, such as sandwiches, cold cuts, and salads.

  • I'm going to the deli to get a sandwich for lunch.
  • The local deli has the best pastrami on rye.
delivery truck

Used when referring to a larger vehicle designed for transporting goods, often for business purposes. This can include food deliveries, retail goods, and other types of merchandise.

  • The delivery truck arrived with our new furniture this morning.
  • We saw a delivery truck unloading supplies at the store.
delivery van

Typically refers to a smaller vehicle used for deliveries, often in urban areas. It can be associated with more personal or smaller-scale deliveries.

  • The delivery van brought our groceries to the front door.
  • She drives a delivery van for a local bakery.

Examples of usage

  • The deli van arrived with our grocery order.
  • The deli driver dropped off our catering order.
Context #3 | Noun

British

A small shop, especially in a village or rural area, selling groceries and other provisions.

Synonyms

corner shop, grocery store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
deli

Primarily used to refer to a store that specializes in selling meats, cheeses, and other fresh foods, often prepared foods as well. You can often find sandwiches and salads here.

  • Let's grab a sandwich from the deli for lunch.
  • The deli around the corner has the best smoked turkey.
grocery store

A larger retail store that sells a wide variety of food and household products. Unlike a deli or corner shop, it offers a full range of groceries including fresh produce, meat, and dairy.

  • We do our weekly shopping at the grocery store.
  • The grocery store has a sale on fruits and vegetables this week.
corner shop

Commonly refers to a small convenience store located on or near a street corner. It typically sells everyday essentials like snacks, drinks, newspapers, and basic household goods.

  • I need to run to the corner shop to get some milk.
  • There's a corner shop just a few blocks away where you can get some snacks.

Examples of usage

  • I popped into the village deli for some milk and bread.
  • The deli on the corner has the best selection of local produce.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Delis play a crucial role in Jewish culture, particularly in New York City, where they have become iconic social gathering spots.
  • Many delis offer traditional foods like bagels and pastrami, reflecting the diverse culinary influences in urban areas.
  • In some cultures, delis serve as neighborhood hubs where people connect over food and community events.

Pop Culture

  • Delis have been featured in various films and TV shows, often depicted as bustling places filled with lively characters.
  • Iconic delis like Katz's Delicatessen have become famous tourist destinations, attracting visitors for their historical significance and famed sandwiches.
  • In pop music, songs about food often mention delis, emphasizing their importance in everyday life and leisure.

Nutrition

  • Delis often provide healthier options, such as fresh salads and whole-grain breads, catering to health-conscious consumers.
  • Many deli meats can be high in sodium and preservatives, prompting a growing trend toward selecting natural and organic options.
  • The rise of gourmet delis has introduced a broader variety of fresh and artisanal foods, making healthy eating more accessible.

Economic Impact

  • Deli businesses contribute significantly to local economies, providing jobs and supporting local food suppliers.
  • The growth of the deli industry has led to a surge in food entrepreneurship, encouraging individuals to create unique food offerings.
  • Economic trends show an increasing preference for fast-casual dining, benefiting delis that combine convenience with quality.

Origin of 'deli'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'deli' comes from the German word 'delikatessen,' meaning 'fine foods.'
  • In the 19th century, delicatessens were popularized in Europe and later in America, catering to the tastes of immigrants.
  • The abbreviation 'deli' became common in the United States by the mid-1900s, reflecting a casual dining approach.

The word 'deli' is short for 'delicatessen', which comes from German 'delikatessen' meaning 'delicacies' or 'fine foods'. The concept of a deli originated in Germany and spread to other countries, evolving to encompass a variety of food-related meanings. In the United States, delis are popular for their sandwiches, while in the UK, delis are often small neighborhood shops. The term 'deli' has become a common part of food culture worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,482, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.