brick-and-mortar

[ brik-uhn-mawr-ter ]

adjective

1. pertaining to conventional stores, businesses, etc., having physical buildings and facilities, as opposed to internet or remote services.
2. made of bricks and mortar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brick-and-mortar¹

First recorded in 1860–65 brick-and-mortar fordef 2; brick-and-mortar def 1 in 1985–90

Example Sentences

“There are longstanding surveillance systems in place that help implement laws at brick-and-mortar stores, but we do not have a system in place for online retailers,” Leas said, adding, “The results of this study highlight the need for greater oversight and enforcement of online tobacco retailers.”

From Los Angeles Times

Rural mobile programs aren’t as efficient or profitable as brick-and-mortar clinics.

From Salon

Instead, the cousins suggested we meet at Chubzies Burgers, owned by a former street vendor who recently opened the brick-and-mortar.

From Los Angeles Times

“People showed up to a physical brick-and-mortar record store to listen to a record and hang out with each other, make friends and dance.”

From Los Angeles Times

While merry on the surface, Spirit Halloween’s intrusion into the Christmas season is an indicator of the perennial battle facing brick-and-mortar establishments in the digital age—especially when it comes to the attention economy.

From Slate