grinder

noun

grind·​er ˈgrīn-dər How to pronounce grinder (audio)
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.
Across town, Mark Fontana leaned over a slab of granite in a monument manufacturing shop located right next to the Italian cemetery, full of headstones in various stages, giant stone cutting machines, diamond-grinders and a room for sandblasting headstones. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 Elsbeth, who could make friends with a pepper grinder, is flailing a little bit in her attempts to connect deeply with her other colleagues. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 French police say the robbers entered the Louvre’s first floor using the Böcker lift, broke open two display cases with a power grinder, and escaped on scooters within ten minutes. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 Just last month thieves used a blow torch and an angle-grinder to steal $699,000 worth of gold nuggets from the Paris Natural History Museum. Lionel Laurent, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!