A1noun1K

Supermarket

UK /["/ˈsuːpəmɑːkɪt/"]/US /["/ˈsuːpərmɑːrkɪt/"]/

Definition

a large shop that sells food, drinks and goods used in the home. People choose what they want from the shelves and pay for it as they leave.

In simple words: A large store where you can buy many different kinds of food and other products.

Examples

  • I only shop at this supermarket.
  • It is the fifth largest **supermarket chain** in the UK.
  • An increasing amount of organic produce is to be found on **supermarket shelves**.
  • a supermarket checkout/aisle
  • a supermarket trolley

Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday conversation; suitable for all audiences. Not typically used in formal contexts, where 'grocery store' might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'super' as in 'great', and 'market' as in a place to buy things.

Collocations

  • leading
  • major
  • top
  • chain
  • giant
  • group

Synonyms

  • grocery store
  • market
  • food store
  • convenience store

Antonyms

  • specialty store
  • boutique

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'supermarket' with 'hypermarket' which is larger
  • Using 'supermarket' when referring to smaller local shops
  • Incorrectly spelling 'supermarket' as 'supermarkit'