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

---

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]

---

Example Sentences

Bricks and mortar firms have long complained that they are at an unfair disadvantage compared with online retailers, which do not have to pay business rates.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2021

Bricks and mortar and twisted steel will be trucked off to make way for a 21st-century version of its former self.

From Washington Post • May 19, 2017

Bricks and mortar retailer Barnes & Noble, which has just announced the arrival of its Nook e-reader and online bookstore in the UK, was able to grab up to 30% market share.

From The Guardian • Aug. 25, 2012

Bricks and mortar, stone and timber are innocent things.

From The Grey Room by Phillpotts, Eden

"Bricks and mortar sing us no audible tune; the heart opens only to the human chant of being."

From Autobiography of a Yogi by Yogananda, Paramahansa