general store

American  

noun

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.

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Etymology

Origin of general store

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

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

At the time, Lincoln had been a licensed attorney for 1½ years; he still shared cramped bachelor lodgings above a general store.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

Bert Youn, owner of the Good Liver general store in L.A.’s Arts District, said that he expects to raise his prices 30% because of the tariffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

“I am not feeling well because of the stifling heat, but I have to work,” said Ghulam Farid, who owns a small general store in Sheikhupra, a city in Punjab province.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

I open up the bag and take out the general store food, handing some to Viola and eating what I’ve got.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness

Related Words

• convenience store
• trading post