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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of drugstore

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

Example Sentences

National drugstore chains including CVS have struggled in recent years to address both competition from discount retailers and a surge in theft, the Journal has said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

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

From Slate • Dec. 23, 2025

Perhaps my favorite one in the whole collection was a Santa I purchased from a local drugstore about 15 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

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

From MarketWatch • Oct. 30, 2025

It’s Fina and Ruby who finally go with me to buy some makeup at the drugstore.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Related Words

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