noun
grinder
GRYN-duh
noun
1
A device or machine used to crush, grind, or sharpen something, such as a coffee grinder or an angle grinder.
"He used an angle grinder to smooth the metal edge."
"The coffee grinder finally broke after ten years of daily use."
2
A long sandwich, especially a toasted submarine-style sandwich.
"We ordered two Italian grinders for lunch."
3
Someone who works relentlessly hard, especially with modest but steady results.
"He's not the flashiest player, but he's a grinder who never stops hustling."
How to Use Grinder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tool for grinding things, a type of long sandwich, or a person who works tirelessly.
UK vs US
"Grinder" for a submarine sandwich is mainly a New England US term.
Common pairings
coffee grinder
angle grinder
order a grinder
Word Forms
grinders plural, Grinders plural
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He used an angle _____ to smooth the metal edge.
Etymology
From Old English grindere, formed from grind plus the agent suffix "-er" — simply "one who grinds."