brick-and-mortar

adjective

brick-and-mor·​tar ˈbrik-ən(d)-ˈmȯr-tər How to pronounce brick-and-mortar (audio)
variants or bricks-and-mortar
: relating to or being a traditional business serving customers in a building as contrasted to an online business
a brick-and-mortar store

Examples of brick-and-mortar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Retailers like JCPenney and Macy's have struggled to compete against online retailers and smaller brick-and-mortar stores that can better adapt to changing consumer preferences. Jessica Dickler,ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025 The barrier to entry for an emerging brand to open their own brick-and-mortar is so high. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025 Many consumers who regularly went to brick-and-mortar stores now shop mostly online. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025 Folks looking to purchase from a brick-and-mortar location can call their local store to check for availability. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brick-and-mortar

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brick-and-mortar was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Brick-and-mortar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brick-and-mortar. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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