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.
Set in rural Norway, Still Breathing follows four young hospital interns — Petra, Joakim, Ashan, and Kissy — thrown into the relentless grinder of emergency medicine. John Hopewell, Variety, 27 May 2025 Just swipe the card, dump the fresh beans into the grinder, then push the button. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 24 May 2025 In theory the family are entitled to 5 million rubles – and bizarrely enough, Russian officials even give gifts of meat grinders to the mothers of troops killed in action as grisly recognition of their sacrifice -- but payment is often withheld. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 He's supposed to take a metal grinder to my knee cap. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Apr. 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 4 Jun. 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
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