Meaning & Definition of word "Delicatessen"

Delicatessen

/ˌdɛlɪkəˈtɛsən/

1. A store or market that sells fine, exotic, or prepared foods, especially meats, cheeses, salads, and other specialty items.
- Example: She stopped by the delicatessen to pick up some fresh pastrami for the sandwich.
2. A counter or department in a grocery store that sells fine or specialty foods.
- Example: The delicatessen in the grocery store had a wide selection of gourmet cheeses and cured meats.
3. An establishment that sells ready-to-eat meals or take-out food.
- Example: After a long day at work, he often visits the delicatessen for a quick meal.

●From German 'delikatessen', borrowed from the Latin 'delicatus', meaning delicate or luxurious.

deli meats:

Sliced meats typically sold at delicatessens.

take-out from the deli:

Prepared food that can be taken away from the store.

gourmet:

Food of high quality and sophistication.

charcuterie:

The art of preparing and assembling cured meats and other delicacies.

Meaning: A quick lunch spot.

● Example Sentence: Let’s grab something from the deli; I’m starving!

Meaning: A place to find unique snacks.

● Example Sentence: The deli has the coolest snacks you can’t find anywhere else!