brick-and-mortar — relating to or denoting a business that operates from a physical building rather than (or as well as) online
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: relating to or denoting a business that operates from a physical building rather than (or as well as) online
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbrɪk ən ˈmɔːrtər/
Example Sentences
- Despite the rise of e-commerce, brick-and-mortar bookstores still have their charm.
- My grandmother refuses to shop online and only trusts brick-and-mortar stores.
- The company decided to expand from online-only to brick-and-mortar stores.
brick-and-mortar
ADJECTIVE[/ˈbrɪk ən ˈmɔːrtər/]
relating to or denoting a business that operates from a physical building rather than (or as well as) online
a customer walks out of a cozy bookstore carrying physical books while smiling contentedly. The store has large windows displaying real books and a warm interior with wooden shelves. Meanwhile, nearby people sit at outdoor cafe tables browsing books on their laptop screens and tablets. The bookstore owner arranges new arrivals in the front window display. Other pedestrians choose between entering the physical store or continuing to shop on their devices. the difference between businesses operating from physical buildings versus online-only operations
The porter serves the brick-and-mortar, saving every quarter!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term derives from the literal building materials brick and mortar, the substances used to construct physical structures. By metaphorical extension, it came to denote any tangible, physically present building or business establishment, as opposed to virtual or online enterprises.
Breakdown
brick (clay building unit) + and + mortar (binding cement) = physical, tangible structure. The compound evolved from construction terminology to describe brick-and-mortar stores and businesses with actual physical locations.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Despite the rise of e-commerce, brick-and-mortar bookstores still have their charm.”
“My grandmother refuses to shop online and only trusts brick-and-mortar stores.”
“The company decided to expand from online-only to brick-and-mortar stores.”
“He opened a brick-and-mortar store but forgot to put up a sign - customers kept walking past his invisible shop!”
📚Related Words
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