dime-store

1 of 2

adjective

1
: inexpensive
dime-store perfume
2
: tawdry, second-rate
dime-store philosophy

dime store

2 of 2

noun

Examples of dime-store in a Sentence

Adjective a dime-store tablecloth that is certainly good enough for a picnic
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.
Adjective
How to tell a true from a false prophet, the real Christ, returned in glory, from a dime-store messiah with a huckster’s charm? Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Because of the pervasive influence of death and black metal’s dependence on themes of depression, pessimism, and negativity, and dime-store Satanism — some lyrics can seem pro forma. Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
Soon afterward, cheap paperback classics could be found everywhere from newsstands to dime stores. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Salem, circa 1955: Before the opening of Walmart, many small-town main streets were home to a Ben Franklin dime store, one of which was under the franchise that gave Sam Walton his start in Newport, 1945. Ray Hanley, arkansasonline.com, 4 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dime-store

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dime-store was circa 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Dime-store.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dime-store. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

dime store

noun
: a store that sells mainly inexpensive goods
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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