grocery etymology

Etymology

The word "grocery" derives from the Old French word "grocier," which itself originates from the Latin word "grossus," meaning "thick" or "fat."

Meaning

A grocery store is a retail establishment that sells a wide range of food and household items.

Origin

The origin of grocery stores can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when merchants known as "grocers" specialized in selling dried goods such as spices, salt, and cheese. These items were often sold in bulk, hence the association with "grossus."

Over time, the term "grocery" expanded to include a wider range of food and household products. In the 19th century, self-service grocery stores emerged, allowing customers to select their own items and pay at a central checkout stand.

In the 20th century, grocery stores evolved into supermarkets, offering a vast selection of products under one roof. The modern grocery store continues to adapt to changing consumer needs, with the rise of online grocery shopping and home delivery services.

grocery relate terms

  • grocer

    Etymology The word grocer has its origins in the Old French word grossier meaning w

  • gross

    Etymology The word gross originates from Old French gros meaning thick coarse

  • groceries

    Etymology The word groceries derives from the Old French grosserie which means whol

  • grocery

    Etymology The word grocery derives from the Old French word grocier which itself ori

  • market

    Etymology The word market is derived from the Late Latin word mercatus meaning trad

  • one horse

    Etymology The word one horse is derived from the Old English phrase on hors which me

  • tram

    Etymology The word tram has multiple etymological origins 16th century From the Sc

  • flesh

    Etymology of Flesh The word flesh comes from the Old English word flǣsc which is

  • shelf

    Etymology The word shelf originates from the Middle English word schelf which in tu

  • ware

    Etymology The word ware has roots in several Germanic languages Old English waru m

  • cafeteria

    Etymology Cafeteria is a Spanish word that comes from the Late Latin term caffateria o

  • store

    Etymology The word store comes from the Old French word estor which in turn is deri

  • food

    Food Etymology Meaning and Origin Bread Origin Old English bread from Germanic

  • kettle

    Etymology The word kettle derives from the Old English word cetel which referred to