What does delicatessen mean?
A delicatessen is a type of food shop that specializes in high-quality, often gourmet or specialty items such as cheeses, meats, and prepared foods. The term can refer to both the shop itself and the types of foods sold there. Delicatessens often have a wide selection of products and may offer services like catering or take-out. They are popular destinations for people looking for unique or hard-to-find ingredients. The word delicatessen has origins in European languages and reflects the cultural exchange of culinary traditions.
nounA delicatessen is a shop that sells high-quality foods such as cheeses, cold meats, and specialty items. It can also refer to the foods sold in such a shop.
- A shop selling specialty foods
- The foods sold in such a shop
"She bought a sandwich from the delicatessen on her way to work."
"The delicatessen on Main Street has the best pastrami sandwiches."
"He picked up some cheese and crackers from the delicatessen for the party."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple shops.
"The city has several delicatessens that are popular with tourists."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of delicatessen
The word 'delicatessen' comes from the German 'Delikatessen', which is derived from the French 'délicatesse', meaning delicacy or fine food. The term was adopted into English and refers to shops that sell high-quality, specialty foods.
Usage notes
Often used to describe shops that specialize in international or gourmet foods. Can be shortened to 'deli'.