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deli

/ˈdɛli/
/ˈdɛli/
IPA guide

Other forms: delis

A deli is a market where you can buy prepared food or shop for staples including meat and cheese. You might have a favorite neighborhood deli where you go every morning for a bagel and coffee.

The word deli is a shortened form, or common nickname, of delicatessen, an American English version of the German delikatessen, the plural of delikatesse, "delicacy," or "fine food." Many delis specialize in the food of a certain region, country, or ethnicity — like a Jewish deli, a German deli, or a Greek deli. You can usually buy sandwiches, salads, drinks, and specialty foods at delis.

Definitions of deli
  1. noun
    a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
    synonyms: delicatessen, food shop
    see moresee less
    types:
    charcuterie
    a delicatessen that specializes in meats
    type of:
    shop, store
    a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
Pronunciation
US
/ˈdɛli/
UK
/ˈdɛli/
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