department store

noun

Synonyms of department storenext
: a store having separate sections for a wide variety of goods

Examples of department store 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.
But the hypermarket format — which combines a supermarket and department store — has lost momentum as digital retail took off. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025 Read what's become of department stores like it. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Dec. 2025 Following its online launch, broader expansion is planned for 2026 with specialty stores, sporting goods and department store partners. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025 Tubi Divorced, busy career woman Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara), with a wise-beyond-her-years daughter, Susan (Natalie Wood), hires an unusual man to play Santa Claus at Macy's department store. Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for department store

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of department store was in 1887

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Department store.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/department%20store. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

department store

noun
: a store having separate sections for a wide variety of goods
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!