convenience store

American  

noun

1. a retail store that carries a limited selection of basic items, as packaged foods and drugstore items, and is open long hours for the convenience of shoppers.

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convenience store British  

noun

1. a shop that has long opening hours, caters to local tastes, and is conveniently situated

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Etymology

Origin of convenience store

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Casey’s began as a general store in Boone, Iowa, in 1968, and has grown to become the third-largest convenience store operator in the U.S., with more than 2,900 stores.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

In July 2018, 28-year-old Markeis McGlockton took his young son into a Clearwater, Florida, convenience store to purchase snacks.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

A Japanese convenience store, known as a “combini,” might include rice balls, stationery and clean pairs of socks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Kaziha, the third victim, helped maintain the mosque's grounds and convenience store, the Cair spokeswoman said.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Juanita went into the convenience store to pay for the gas.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall