big-box

American

[big-boks] / ˈbɪgˈbɒks /

adjective

pertaining to or noting a very large retail store that does a high volume of business and usually has low prices.

Big-box retailers claim that they create jobs and boost tax revenue.

Other Word Forms

big box noun

Etymology

Origin of big-box

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Some of our competitors, obviously the larger chains and the larger big-box stores - they have direct relationships with manufacturers. They have preferred pricing," Vora says.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The big-box retailer’s decision underscores standards established when it launched its flagship-owned Good & Gather private brand in 2019, according to a February press release.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2026

A multiyear flight to bargains, as well as investments in e-commerce and AI-backed shopping, have helped the big-box chain consolidate its grip on the retail market.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 14, 2026

The bull case now is being driven by the company’s potential to benefit from investments in artificial intelligence that will cement the retailer’s transformation from a discount big-box retailer to an e-commerce giant.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Amazon executives have yet to name its new big-box concept and have offered few details.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023