brick-and-mortar

adjective

brick-and-mor·​tar ˈbrik-ən(d)-ˈmȯr-tər 

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

After seven years of promoting local businesses in San Francisco’s predominantly Latino Mission District, the nonprofit has a brick-and-mortar space that reflects its passion for the neighborhood. — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

The plan is to launch this offering (with clothing made in Japan and leather goods crafted in Italy) online, before Jones opens his first brick-and-mortar outpost at Central Yards in Hong Kong in October 2027. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

Her brick-and-mortar efforts include the EbonyLife Creative Academy in Lagos, which offers free training on filmmaking and media content production, and the entertainment and lifestyle resort EbonyLife Place. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Leading the pack is the new volume of World Trigger, Ashihara’s sci-fi action manga, which tops brick-and-mortar sales and e-books. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brick-and-mortar

• colporteur
• exporter
• headquarter
• importer
• reporter
• supporter
• transporter
• mortar
• quarter
• shorter
• sorter