brick-and-mortar

American  

[brik-uhn-mawr-ter] / ˈbrɪk ənˈmɔr tər /

Also bricks-and-mortar

adjective

1. pertaining to conventional stores, businesses, etc., having physical buildings and facilities, as opposed to internet or remote services.

2. made of bricks and mortar.

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Etymology

Origin of brick-and-mortar

First recorded in 1860–65 brick-and-mortar for def. 2; brick-and-mortar def. 1 in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Even when shoppers do frequent brick-and-mortar shops, their online equivalents still inform purchase decisions.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

The conference launched in 1984, and 42 years later, the internet megabrand’s beating heart is still an annual brick-and-mortar conference.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

"While we continue to believe in the strength of the core business, TGJones has experienced highly challenging trading conditions over the past year, along with many other brick-and-mortar retailers," the spokesperson said.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

That media ecosystem and brick-and-mortar world doesn’t exist in the same way anymore.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

There was nothing left but a charred brick-and-mortar shell, roof gone and gutted from the inside.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah