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 retail, long viewed as a laggard in China’s tech story, is also becoming an AI beneficiary.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

"Bricks-and-mortar retailers and airlines have really struggled so will probably not be paying bonuses or giving pay rises," he told the BBC.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2022

Bricks-and-mortar shops, which operate through hand sales, recommendations and word of mouth, remain an important avenue for up-and-coming authors.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2021

Bricks-and-mortar retailers celebrated the decision, but given that Amazon is already in compliance with the new rule for its own sales, the benefits may be limited.

From Economist • Jul. 10, 2018

Bricks-and-mortar retailers have been pushing hard for the bill, which they say will help level the playing field with Internet retailers.

From Forbes • Sep. 23, 2011