store-bought

American  

[stawr-bawt, stohr-] / ˈstɔrˈbɔt, ˈstoʊr- /

adjective

Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.

1. commercially made rather than homemade.

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Etymology

Origin of store-bought

First recorded in 1900–05

Explanation

If you purchase something from a shop, you can describe it as store-bought. If you don't have time to cook for your friend's potluck, you can stop and pick up a store-bought lasagna on the way. This North American adjective was coined in the early 20th century, right around the time the first grocery stores opened in the U.S. In Britain, most people say shop-bought instead. Store-bought is a good word to use for distinguishing food that's sold in stores from homemade: "I made my grandfather's award-winning brownies for the bake sale, but I noticed that everyone else brought store-bought cookies."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

store-bought

Adams said replacing the top two inches of soil with store-bought mulch or straw will help to contain any remaining ash and prevent it from spreading any further.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Lutnick has started to make fermented vegetables at home in lieu of eating store-bought sauerkraut.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

Dubbed dot cakes, they start with boxed cake mix to make the base and double down on that nostalgic flavor with store-bought frosting and sprinkles.

From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2026

There’s, of course, Giada, whose recipes for Tiramisu Cupcakes and a Hazelnut Crunch Cake with Mascarpone and Chocolate are also simplified with store-bought cake mix.

From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2026

“I colored it myself today. I was at the drugstore buying ice—did you know that I only like store-bought ice? Homemade ice tastes funny and makes my tea smell strange.”

From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen