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Definition of deli

deli

/ˈdɛl.i/
del · i
Plural:delis
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deli Lexical Profile

deli Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A shop or counter within a supermarket that sells cooked or cured meats, cheeses, salads, and prepared foods, often making sandwiches to order.

Example

"We stopped at the neighborhood deli to pick up sliced turkey, rye bread, and potato salad for the picnic."

2

North American Prepared foods, such as cold cuts, cheeses, and salads, sold at a delicatessen.

Example

"The catering platter included an assortment of fresh deli and artisan cheeses."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for deli

• Rhymes for deli

• Nearby Words

deletion
delgermoron
delhi
deli
deliberate
deliberately
deliberateness

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-20th century in American English as a clipped form of 'delicatessen', which was borrowed from German 'Delikatessen' (plural of 'Delikatesse', meaning 'delicacy'), ultimately from French 'délicatesse' and Latin 'delicatus' ('delightful' or 'luxurious').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deli. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deli
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