deli

del-i · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A shop or counter selling prepared foods, typically cold meats, cheeses, and salads.

  2. 2.

    The food sold at such a shop, especially cold cuts and cheeses.

Related words

See also: delicatessen, food, sandwich, shop
Synonyms: delicatessen, food shop, sandwich shop

Etymology

Shortened form of delicatessen, from German Delikatessen (plural), meaning "delicacies, fine foods," originally from French délicatesse (delicacy), from Latin delicatus (giving pleasure, delightful). The abbreviated form became common in American English during the 20th century.