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

The Iowa-based convenience store chain will replace medical technology company Hologic in the S&P 500 before trading opens on Thursday, S&P Dow Jones Indices said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

But the most vivid performance might in fact be the convenience store itself, brought to fluorescent, sanitized, colorful life by scenic designer Joanna Yu and lighting designer Wen-Ling Liao.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Local convenience store chain CU launched its Dubai chewy rice cake in October, and has sold some 1.8 million pieces of it in the last few months.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

Lucien Myette began engraving four years ago, after working at a Stewart’s convenience store.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

When they were flush with a silver coin or two, they’d go to the local convenience store and buy food for breakfast or dinner, often splitting a pack of Hostess donuts.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel