drugstore

American  

[druhg-stawr, -stohr] / ˈdrʌgˌstɔr, -ˌstoʊr /

Or drug store

noun

1. the place of business of a druggist, usually also selling cosmetics, stationery, toothpaste, mouthwash, cigarettes, etc., and sometimes soft drinks and light meals.

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drugstore British  

/ ˈdrʌɡˌstɔː /

noun

1. a shop where medical prescriptions are made up and a wide variety of goods and sometimes light meals are sold

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Etymology

Origin of drugstore

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10; drug ¹ + store

Example Sentences

When that friend went to the drugstore, a pharmacy inspector happened to be there, doing routine rounds.

From Slate • Dec. 23, 2025

“And I went to the drugstore to get toothpaste and washing powder. It’s all so high.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

The owner of the drugstore chain and insurance giant Aetna guided for adjusted earnings in the range of $6.60 to $6.70 a share, compared with a prior range of $6.55 to $6.65.

From Barron's • Dec. 9, 2025

Read more: Are online pharmacies cheaper than your local drugstore?

From MarketWatch • Oct. 30, 2025

After a hairdressing, for example, he meets her at the drugstore for her vanilla malt and his cherry smash.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• boutique
• chain store
• convenience store
• deli
• department store
• discount store
• emporium
• grocery store
• market
• outlet
• shop
• shopping center
• showroom
• supermarket