convenience store

American  

noun

1. a retail store that carries a limited selection of basic items, as packaged foods and drugstore items, and is open long hours for the convenience of shoppers.

---

convenience store British  

noun

1. a shop that has long opening hours, caters to local tastes, and is conveniently situated

---

Etymology

Origin of convenience store

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Perhaps you’ve heard of “car-cuterie”—a spread of cheeses, salumi, fresh fruit and hard-boiled eggs assembled entirely from convenience store shelves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

In July 2018, 28-year-old Markeis McGlockton took his young son into a Clearwater, Florida, convenience store to purchase snacks.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

Kaziha, the third victim, helped maintain the mosque's grounds and convenience store, the Cair spokeswoman said.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The Iowa-based convenience store chain will replace medical technology company Hologic in the S&P 500 before trading opens on Thursday, S&P Dow Jones Indices said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Right as the person reaches the convenience store entrance, the dark red oval representing his mind suddenly flares, flashing bright.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu