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department storeA 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.
💡 Concept

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

From apartment floor to department store, through the compartment door!
🎵 Rhyme

From apartment floor to department store, through the compartment door!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪˈpɑːrtmənt stɔːr/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪˈpɑːtmənt stɔː/

🌳Etymology

Rootdepartment

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

apartment floorcompartment door
apartment floor
compartment door

🔗Collocations

luxury department store
visit a department store
department store chain
department store sale
work at a department store
department store credit card

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

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.

😄 Fun example

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

shopping mallretail storeshopping centeremporium

Antonyms

specialty shopboutique

Related

supermarketwarehouse storeoutlet storeshopping complex

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