Supermarket

Definition

Supermarket refers to a large retail store that sells a wide variety of food, beverages, and household products, typically organized into aisles for self-service shopping.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsuː.pɚˌmɑːr.kɪt/
• Respelling: SOO-purr-mar-kit

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsuː.pəˌmɑː.kɪt/
• Respelling: SOO-puh-mar-kit

Etymology

The word "supermarket" originates from the prefix "super-" (meaning "above" or "beyond") and "market," derived from the Latin "mercatus" (trade or market). The term was first used in the 1930s in the United States to describe a large, self-service grocery store.

Derivatives

• Supermarket chain (noun)
• Supermarket shopping (noun)
• Supermarket-style (adjective)
• Supermarketization (noun)
• Supermarket-goer (noun)

Synonyms

• Grocery store
• Hypermarket
• Food mart

Antonyms

• Specialty store
• Corner shop
• Farmers' market

Usage

The noun "supermarket" is commonly used to refer to a retail location for purchasing groceries and other household goods. For example, "I need to stop by the supermarket to pick up some vegetables and milk."

Related Terms

• Retail: The sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption.
• Grocery: A store or department specializing in the sale of food and other household items.
• Shopping cart: A wheeled cart provided by stores for carrying items while shopping.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A large self-service store offering a wide variety of products: Refers to a retail space where customers can purchase goods such as food, beverages, and household items.
  • Example: "The new supermarket in town has a great selection of organic produce."
• An establishment focused on the sale of groceries and general merchandise: Often used to describe businesses that prioritize convenience and self-service for shoppers.
  • Example: "Many supermarkets now offer online shopping and delivery services."