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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 notes

In plain EnglishA shop or counter selling ready-to-eat foods like cold meats and sandwiches.

Common pairings
deli counter deli sandwich corner deli

Word forms

delis plural, Delis plural

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Fill the gap

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We grabbed sandwiches from the _____ on the corner.

Etymology

A shortened form of "delicatessen," in use since the 1950s.

· First attested 1950

Class of 1950 deli joined the language around 1950.
See the full Class of 1950 →
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.

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