greengrocer

American  

[green-groh-ser] / ˈgrinˌgroʊ sər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. a retailer of fresh vegetables and fruit.

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greengrocer British  

/ ˈɡriːnˌɡrəʊsə /

noun

1. a retail trader in fruit and vegetables

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Other Word Forms

• greengrocery noun

Etymology

Origin of greengrocer

First recorded in 1715–25; green + grocer

Example Sentences

Havel tells the apocryphal story of a greengrocer who refuses to place a sign proclaiming “Workers of the world, unite!” in his shop window.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

I’m momentarily reminded of the daughter of a British greengrocer, Margaret Thatcher, who, early in her political career, established her economic credentials by the simple expedient of knowing the price of butter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

The columns could only be seen from an abandoned garden that had once belonged to his friend, San Casciano's late greengrocer, who grew fruit and vegetables there to sell in the village shop.

From Reuters • Jun. 2, 2023

The barrow became two shops in Bethnal Green - with enough money left over to buy Len's parents a greengrocer business in Kent.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2023

Hassan kissed Aziz quickly, so the greengrocer across the street and his wife—who spoke to their individual cats more than to each other—would not spread rumors that the young couple were indecent.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri