Origin: Latin prefix super-
Supermarket has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
a large self-service grocery store selling groceries and dairy products and household goods
"We stocked our pantry by buying fresh produce, milk, and cleaning supplies at the nearby supermarket."
A large self-service store that sells groceries and, usually, medications, household goods, and/or clothing.
"We spent most of our Saturday morning at the supermarket stocking up on fresh produce, cleaning supplies, and winter coats."
In plain English: A supermarket is a big store where you can buy almost any kind of food and household items all at once.
"We went to the supermarket to buy groceries for dinner."
Usage: Use supermarket to refer specifically to the type of large retail establishment where you buy your weekly food and essentials in bulk. Do not use it interchangeably with smaller convenience stores or specialty shops like bakeries or butcher counters.
The word supermarket entered American English in 1933 as a blend of the prefix super- and market. It was coined to describe large stores that sold goods at lower prices than traditional markets.