noun
Uncommon
deli
DEH-lee
Deli (noun) means a shop selling prepared foods like cold cuts, cheeses, and sandwiches, ready to eat. Example: “We grabbed sandwiches from the deli on the corner.”
noun
1
A shop selling prepared foods like cold cuts, cheeses, and sandwiches, ready to eat.
"We grabbed sandwiches from the deli on the corner."
"The deli counter had a great selection of sliced meats."
How to use deli
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shop or counter selling ready-to-eat foods like cold meats and sandwiches.
Common pairings
deli counter
deli sandwich
corner deli
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like deli.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- delis
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We grabbed sandwiches from the _____ on the corner.
Etymology
A shortened form of "delicatessen," in use since the 1950s.
Class of 1950
deli joined the language around 1950.
See the full Class of 1950 →
Synonyms
View more →
delicatessen
food shop
Related words
Rhymes for deli
See all rhymes for deli →Frequently asked questions
What does “deli” mean?
The word “deli” means a shop selling prepared foods like cold cuts, cheeses, and sandwiches, ready to eat. In plain terms, a shop or counter selling ready-to-eat foods like cold meats and sandwiches.
How do you pronounce “deli”?
“Deli” is pronounced DEH-lee (/ˈdɛli/ in IPA).
How do you use “deli” in a sentence?
Here is “deli” used in a sentence: “We grabbed sandwiches from the deli on the corner.”
What part of speech is “deli”?
“Deli” is a noun.
Where does the word “deli” come from?
The word “deli” dates back to around 1950. A shortened form of "delicatessen," in use since the 1950s.
Is “deli” a common word?
“Deli” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include deli:
