noun

bodega

boh-DAY-guh

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Bodega (noun) means a small neighborhood convenience store, especially one common in cities that sells snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials. Example: “She grabbed a coffee and a bagel from the bodega on the corner.”

noun

A small neighborhood convenience store, especially one common in cities that sells snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials.

"She grabbed a coffee and a bagel from the bodega on the corner."

"The bodega stayed open all night selling milk, lottery tickets, and cigarettes."

A store or shop specializing in Latin American or Hispanic groceries.

"The bodega sold plantains, fresh cilantro, and imported spices."

A wine cellar or winery, especially in Spain or Latin America.

"The vineyard's bodega stored oak barrels of aging Rioja."

How to use bodega

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small local corner shop, especially one selling Hispanic groceries or general convenience items.

Common pairings

corner bodega bodega cat run to the bodega

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: bodegas

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She grabbed a coffee and a bagel from the _____ on the corner.

Etymology

From Spanish bodega, going back through Latin to Ancient Greek apotheke, "storehouse" — the same root as apothecary and boutique. The word became common in New York through Puerto Rican and other Latino communities.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for bodega

mega Vega omega Ortega Noriega

See all rhymes for bodega →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bodega” mean?

The word “bodega” means a small neighborhood convenience store, especially one common in cities that sells snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials. In plain terms, a small local corner shop, especially one selling Hispanic groceries or general convenience items.

How do you pronounce “bodega”?

“Bodega” is pronounced boh-DAY-guh (/boʊˈdeɪɡə/ in IPA).

How do you use “bodega” in a sentence?

Here is “bodega” used in a sentence: “She grabbed a coffee and a bagel from the bodega on the corner.”

What part of speech is “bodega”?

“Bodega” is a noun.

Where does the word “bodega” come from?

The word “bodega” comes from Ancient Greek. From Spanish bodega, going back through Latin to Ancient Greek apotheke, "storehouse" — the same root as apothecary and boutique. The word became common in New York through Puerto Rican and other Latino communities.

How many meanings does “bodega” have?

“Bodega” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small neighborhood convenience store, especially one common in cities that sells snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials.

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Words with Greek origins