department store

American  

noun

1. a large retail store carrying a wide variety of merchandise and organized into various departments for sales and administrative purposes.

---

department store British  

noun

1. a large shop divided into departments selling a great many kinds of goods

---

Etymology

Origin of department store

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Other counts allege she received school fees for her son, products from high-end shops such as London's Harrods department store and Louis Vuitton, and further private jet flights.

From Barron's

Conversations during day jobs at department stores led to woodsheds and studio recordings.

From Los Angeles Times

She said they recreated the feeling of a department store with balloons and a table laid out with goodie bags, sweets, toys and cupcakes.

From BBC

Following the fire, the school operated virtually for several months and, in mid-April of 2025, moved into a former Sears department store in Santa Monica.

From Los Angeles Times

Iconic London department store Harrods celebrated him in a statement as "one of the last true titans of fashion".

From Barron's

Related Words

• chain store
• discount store
• shop
• store