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

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

“Where are people going to go in a pinch when there’s no brick-and-mortar that’s consistently open?” she asks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Sales at U.S. retailers fell in January for the first time in three months as Winter Storm Fern depressed spending at car dealers, gas stations and brick-and-mortar stores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 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