Meaning

Added to occupational etc. nouns to form other nouns meaning the "art, craft, or practice of.".

Definitions by Sense

1. Added to occupational etc. nouns to form other nouns meaning the "art, craft, or practice of."
2. Added to verbs to form nouns meaning "place of" (an art, craft, or practice).
3. Added to nouns to form other nouns meaning "a class, group, or collection of."
4. Added to nouns to form other nouns meaning "behavior characteristic of."
5. (rare) Forming adjectives.

Example Sentences

midwife + -ery → midwifery

cook + -ery → cookery

bake + -ery → bakery

distill + -ery → distillery

join + -ery → joinery

crock + -ery → crockery

hose + -ery → hosiery

shrub + -ery → shrubbery

Word Forms

• -eries
• -erie
• -ry
• more -ery
• most -ery

Synonyms for -ery

When Should You Use -ery?

Use -ery when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions