bricks and mortar

British  

noun

1. 1. a building or buildings

      he invested in bricks and mortar rather than stocks and shares

   2. ( as modifier )

      a bricks-and-mortar fortune

2. 1. a physical business premises rather than an internet presence

   2. ( as modifier )

      bricks-and-mortar firms

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bricks and mortar Idioms  

1. Basic and essential, as in Matthew Arnold's essay (1865): “Margate, that bricks-and-mortar image of British Protestantism.” This phrase transfers essential building materials to other fundamental matters. It also may be used more literally to denote a building or buildings (whether or not made of bricks and mortar), as in The alumni prefer to see their donations in the form of bricks and mortar. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

The chart from Bank of America shows a big shift toward online shopping from bricks and mortars stores since early 2025.

From MarketWatch

Dimly, Jonah wondered how the builder had done that, how the flimsy metal mailbox wasn’t crushed by the heavy bricks and mortar.

From Literature

It’s not just about bricks and mortar and shelter.

From Los Angeles Times

Controversial online fast-fashion seller Shein will open its first bricks and mortar store in the world in Paris next week, its new landlord announced Friday.

From Barron's

But buildings are made of bricks and mortar and wood and concrete.

From The Wall Street Journal