Definition

A big store where you can buy food and other household items, usually by picking them yourself and paying at a checkout.

Example

I went to the supermarket to buy groceries for the week.

Conversation

Have you been to the new supermarket downtown yet?

Yeah, I went there last weekend, and it’s really nice!

I heard they have a great selection of organic products.

They do! It's my new favorite place to shop for groceries.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Supermarket → It is formed from "super-" (meaning above or over) and "market" (from Old North French *mercat*, meaning a place for buying and selling). The word "supermarket" refers to a large market that offers a wide variety of goods under one roof, typically larger than a traditional market.

Memory Tip

Think of a market that is 'above' or 'over' the usual size, which helps you remember that a supermarket is a large place for buying many different things.

Visually Confused Words