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
5
: an athlete who succeeds through hard work and determination rather than exceptional skill

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.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025 His staff features former pros, but lacks grinders, even though records obtained by USA Today as of October 2025 showed 57 coaches and support staff, including a bodyguard. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2025 Below, experts share some tips on how to make New Year’s resolutions that have a better chance of sticking without running yourself through the grinder. Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025 But there is a small part of the country where a grinder/hoagie/hero/sub is known as a wedge. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grinder. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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