greengrocery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral, somewhat formal/archaic
Quick answer
What does “greengrocery” mean?
A shop where fresh fruit and vegetables are sold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A shop where fresh fruit and vegetables are sold.
The goods (fresh fruit and vegetables) sold by such a shop; the business or trade of selling such goods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'greengrocer'/'greengrocery' are standard, though declining in favor of generic terms like 'fruit and veg shop'. In American English, the term is archaic; the concept is expressed as 'produce market', 'farm stand', or a section within a supermarket.
Connotations
UK: Evokes traditional high street shopping, local independent retailers. US: If used, sounds quaint or deliberately old-fashioned.
Frequency
High frequency in historical UK contexts; low-to-medium in modern UK; extremely low/near-zero in modern US.
Grammar
How to Use “greengrocery” in a Sentence
go to the [greengrocery]work in/at [a greengrocery]buy [fruit] from [the greengrocery]run/own [a greengrocery]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greengrocery” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He worked in the greengrocery trade all his life.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Could appear in discussions of retail sector decline: 'Traditional greengroceries are struggling against supermarket competition.'
Academic
Rare, might appear in historical, sociological, or economic studies of retail and food systems.
Everyday
'I'm just popping down to the greengrocery for some carrots and onions.' (UK)
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greengrocery”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greengrocery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greengrocery”
- Using 'greengrocery' as a verb (e.g., 'I greengroceried').
- Using it as a countable noun for the person (that's 'greengrocer').
- Spelling as 'green grocery' (as two words is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'greengrocer' is the person who owns or works in the shop. A 'greengrocery' is the shop itself or the business/trade.
No, it is very rare and considered archaic. Americans would say 'produce market', 'farmers' market', or refer to the 'produce section' of a grocery store.
Yes, in its extended meaning, it can refer to the goods sold (e.g., 'a load of greengrocery arrived at the shop'). However, this usage is less common than the shop meaning.
People often say 'greengrocer's' (using the possessive) or 'fruit and veg shop'.
A shop where fresh fruit and vegetables are sold.
Greengrocery is usually neutral, somewhat formal/archaic in register.
Greengrocery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːnɡrəʊs(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːnɡroʊsəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms for this noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GREEN (like vegetables) + GROCERY (a store for food). A grocery store specifically for green (and other colourful) fresh produce.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR FRESHNESS/VITALITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'greengrocery' used correctly?