department store — A large retail store selling many different goods in separate departments
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A large retail store selling many different goods in separate departments
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt stɔːr/
Example Sentences
- My mom can spend six hours in a department store and come out with just a pack of gum.
- The department store was having a massive sale on winter coats.
- He got lost in the department store and accidentally bought three things he didn't need while looking for the exit.
department store
NOUN[/dɪˈpɑːrtmənt stɔːr/]
A large retail store selling many different goods in separate departments

She wanders every floor of the department store searching for the perfect gift.

From apartment floor to department store, through the compartment door!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in mid-19th century America to describe a retail establishment that organized merchandise by distinct sections or departments. It combines the French-derived word 'department' (meaning a division or section) with the English 'store' (a commercial establishment), reflecting the innovative retail model of categorizing products for consumer convenience.
Breakdown
department (from French départir, meaning to divide or distribute) + store (from English, meaning a place where goods are kept or sold). The compound denotes a store organized into multiple specialized departments.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom can spend six hours in a department store and come out with just a pack of gum.”
“The department store was having a massive sale on winter coats.”
“He got lost in the department store and accidentally bought three things he didn't need while looking for the exit.”
“The new department store downtown features over 200 different brands.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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