Delicatessen

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ËŒdÉ›lɪkəˈtÉ›sÉ™n/

Origin

1864. From German Delikatessen, plural of Delikatesse ("fine food"), from French délicatesse, from delicat ("fine"), from Latin delicatus ("alluring").

The sense of store much more recent, originating in ellipsis from the common attributive use, as in delicatessen shop, delicatessen store, etc.

Full definition of delicatessen

Noun

1. (countable) A shop that sells cooked or prepared foods ready for serving.
2. (plural only) Delicacies; exotic or expensive foods.

Derived terms

• deli

Related terms

• delicacy

Anagrams

• delicateness