mom-and-pop

adjective

ˈmäm-ən(d)-ˈpäp 

1

: being or relating to a small owner-operated business

a mom-and-pop grocery

2

: small-scale

Examples of mom-and-pop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For a century, the 2,448 mile road stretching across eight states and three time zones has been synonymous with mom-and-pop diners and America’s Heartland. —Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

The resort owner says these mom-and-pop vacation destinations, once ubiquitous across Minnesota and now more rare, are in need of a boost. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026

Downtown Hilo, which is within walking distance, is packed with mom-and-pop eateries, poke shops, breakfast spots, and a great farmers market that’s open daily. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2026

Doing so will disenfranchise small mom-and-pop property owners who depend on rental properties for their retirement and to make ends meet. —City News Service, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for mom-and-pop

• barbershop
• countertop
• lollipop
• mountaintop
• overtop
• photoshop
• tabletop
• turboprop
• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop