Grocery: meaning, definitions and examples
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grocery
[ˈɡroʊsəri ]
Definitions
shopping list
groceries are food and other goods that are sold by a grocer or supermarket. They include fresh produce, canned goods, dairy products, and household items.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| grocery |
Commonly used to refer to a shop where food and other household items are sold or the items purchased from such a shop.
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| food |
General term for any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body.
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Examples of usage
- We need to buy groceries for the week.
- She filled her cart with groceries for the party.
grocery store
a grocery is also a store that sells food and other goods. It is usually smaller than a supermarket and may specialize in certain types of products.
Synonyms
corner shop, food store, market.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| grocery |
Commonly refers to a store that sells a wide range of food items and household goods. It's a general term used for both small and large stores where people buy everyday necessities.
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| food store |
A broad term for any store that specializes in selling food products. This can include larger supermarkets, specialty stores, or smaller markets.
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| market |
Usually refers to a place where multiple vendors sell various items, often including fresh produce, meats, and sometimes crafts. Markets can be open-air or within buildings and are often seen as more traditional or community-centered spaces.
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| corner shop |
Often a small, local store located in residential neighborhoods. These shops typically offer a limited selection of essential items and are convenient for quick purchases.
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Examples of usage
- I prefer to shop at the local grocery for fresh produce.
- The grocery on the corner is convenient for last-minute items.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'grocery' comes from the Middle French word 'grossier,' which means a wholesaler or dealer in goods.
- It originally referred to a store that sold bulk goods and dry groceries, with fresh produce being a later addition.
- The word has evolved, and now it broadly encompasses all types of food and household items sold in retail.
Cultural Significance
- Grocery stores are often community gathering spots where people meet and socialize while shopping.
- In many cultures, grocery stores showcase local foods, helping to preserve culinary traditions and regional specialties.
- Farmers’ markets offer a more personalized grocery shopping experience, connecting consumers directly with local producers.
Economic Impact
- The grocery sector plays a significant role in the economy, employing millions and influencing supply chains worldwide.
- Online grocery shopping has surged, especially after the pandemic, changing how consumers access food and household items.
- Sustainability practices in grocery stores, like reducing plastic use and sourcing local produce, are becoming more common.
Health and Nutrition
- Grocery stores are increasingly emphasizing healthy foods, offering more organic and plant-based options to cater to health-conscious shoppers.
- Public health initiatives often encourage increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, making grocery choices pivotal in nutrition.
- Labeling in grocery stores helps consumers make healthier choices by providing nutritional information and ingredient lists.
Psychology
- Shopping in grocery stores can trigger emotional reactions, hunting for sales may release dopamine, akin to a reward system.
- Layouts of grocery stores are designed to maximize shopping time; for example, fresh produce is often placed at the entrance to entice customers.
- Impulse buying is common in grocery stores, particularly near checkout aisles where candy and snacks are displayed.
Literature and Media
- Many novels and films feature scenes set in grocery stores, symbolizing everyday life and human interactions.
- Cookbooks often reference grocery shopping as the first step in creating a meal, highlighting the importance of fresh ingredients.
- Documentaries exploring food systems frequently include grocery stores as vital components of the agricultural and economic landscape.
Translations
Translations of the word "grocery" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mercearia
🇮🇳 किराना
🇩🇪 Lebensmittelgeschäft
🇮🇩 toko kelontong
🇺🇦 бакалія
🇵🇱 sklep spożywczy
🇯🇵 食料品店
🇫🇷 épicerie
🇪🇸 tienda de comestibles
🇹🇷 bakkal
🇰🇷 식료품점
🇸🇦 بقالة
🇨🇿 potraviny
🇸🇰 potraviny
🇨🇳 杂货店
🇸🇮 živilska trgovina
🇮🇸 matvörubúð
🇰🇿 азық-түлік дүкені
🇬🇪 სურსათის მაღაზია
🇦🇿 ərzaq mağazası
🇲🇽 tienda de abarrotes