grinder

noun

grind·​er ˈgrīn-dər How to pronounce grinder (audio)
Synonyms of grindernext
1
a
: molar
b
grinders plural : teeth
2
: one that grinds
3
: a machine or device for grinding
4
: submarine entry 2 sense 2
5
: an athlete who succeeds through hard work and determination rather than exceptional skill

Synonyms of grinder

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Examples of grinder in a Sentence

ordered a meatball grinder from the beach's concession stand
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Robert Mynatt, the roastmaster at Volcanica Coffee, says that espresso requires an extremely fine grind, one that many home grinders (primarily blade grinders) are unable to evenly and consistently produce. — Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026 Order a classic deli sandwich or oven grinder served with a towering pile of fries, or opt for something a little more filling like Grandma’s Homemade Meatloaf topped with beef gravy. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026 And the phone’s not gonna compel you to grab that comically oversized pepper grinder and kick it up another notch. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026 One of those was Louis Sinclair, one of New Zealand’s grinders whose legs were severely damaged in the accident and is still facing a long recovery after extensive surgery and ongoing rehabilitation. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grinder

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of grinder was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing grinder

Rhymes for grinder

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Browse Nearby Words

Grindelwald
grinder
grinder's green
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Cite this Entry

“Grinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grinder. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grinder

noun
grind·​er ˈgrīn-dər How to pronounce grinder (audio)
1
: one that grinds
2
: a large sandwich on a long split roll

More from Merriam-Webster on grinder

Nglish: Translation of grinder for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grinder

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