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Definition of delicatessen

delicatessen

/ˌdɛlɪkəˈtɛsən/
del · i · ca · tes · sen
Plural:delicatessens
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delicatessen Lexical Profile

delicatessen Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A retail store or supermarket counter that sells cooked or cured meats, cheeses, prepared salads, sandwiches, and specialty or imported foods.

Example

"We stopped at the neighborhood delicatessen to buy fresh rye bread, smoked salmon, and Swiss cheese for lunch."

2

Ready-to-eat food items, such as sliced cold cuts, cheeses, relishes, and prepared salads, sold at such a shop.

Example

"The catering platter featured an assortment of fine delicatessen, including cured meats, olives, and marinated artichokes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for delicatessen

• Rhymes for delicatessen

• Nearby Words

delicately
delicateness
delicates
delicatessen
delicious
deliciously
deliciousness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 19th century from the German plural noun Delikatessen ('delicacies'), which was adapted from the French délicatesse ('delicacy, fineness') and ultimately traces back to the Latin adjective delicatus ('alluring, dainty').

Cite this Entry

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