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.

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department store British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of department store

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Buffett himself has often highlighted mistakes in his retail investments, calling a 1966 deal to buy a Baltimore department store one of his biggest mistakes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

She said she used to purchase fabrics from the luxury department store Liberty London and her mother-in-law bought her a sewing machine and encouraged her to sew.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Macy’s faces declining department store views, but Bloomingdale’s comparable sales increased 7% last year.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

With its brass rails and swing doors it has the feel of an old-fashioned department store.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

I was in a department store with Mama and we were on the escalator—goin’ down.

From "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon M. Draper

Related Words

• chain store
• discount store
• shop
• store