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Synonyms

general store

American  

noun

  • general stores
    plural
  1. a store, usually in a rural area, that sells a wide variety of merchandise, as clothing, food, or hardware, but is not divided into departments.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of general store

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A few years ago, 10 couples might stop by the mill and its general store each weekend.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

She worked at her parents’ general store and for a beautician.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

Casey’s began as a general store in Boone, Iowa, in 1968, and has grown to become the third-largest convenience store operator in the U.S.

From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026

Consisting of a couple of weatherboard buildings, a general store, a caravan park and a petrol station grouped around a modest main street, Licola is one of Australia's smallest towns.

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2026

On one side of the street there was Yount’s General—a combination general store and post office.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

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