Bookstore: meaning, definitions and examples

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bookstore

 

[ ˈbʊkstɔːr ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

place

A store where books are sold.

Synonyms

bookshop, library.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bookstore

A place where books are sold. It can refer to large chain stores as well as small independent ones.

  • She went to the bookstore to buy the latest novel.
  • The new bookstore downtown has a great selection of graphic novels.
bookshop

Often used interchangeably with 'bookstore,' but it can imply a smaller, possibly independent shop that has a quaint or local feel.

  • He prefers to buy his books from the little bookshop around the corner.
  • The old bookshop in the village has been there for decades.
library

A place where books and other media are available for borrowing, study, or reference. It is not a commercial entity.

  • She spends her afternoons studying at the library.
  • The city library offers free access to a variety of resources.

Examples of usage

  • I love spending time in the cozy atmosphere of a bookstore.
  • She works at the local bookstore and enjoys recommending new titles to customers.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A business establishment selling books, usually with a variety of genres and authors.

Synonyms

bookstore chain, bookstore franchise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bookstore

A retail store that primarily sells books, often a single location. Suitable for when talking about an individually owned or standalone store.

  • I found a rare edition of the novel in a small bookstore downtown.
  • Let's meet at the new bookstore that opened near the university.

Examples of usage

  • The bookstore on the corner specializes in rare and antique books.
  • Online bookstores have become increasingly popular due to their convenience.
Context #3 | Noun

website

An online platform where books can be purchased and often delivered digitally or physically.

Synonyms

e-bookstore, online bookstore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bookstore

A physical store where people can browse and purchase books. This term is used when talking about traditional, brick-and-mortar locations.

  • I love spending my weekends at the local bookstore
  • The bookstore downtown has a great collection of rare books
online bookstore

A website where physical and/or electronic books are sold. This term encompasses both e-books and physical books.

  • I ordered my textbooks from an online bookstore
  • Amazon is a popular online bookstore where you can find a wide range of books
e-bookstore

A digital platform where electronic books (e-books) are sold. This term is used when referring to online stores that specialize in e-books.

  • I bought the latest bestseller from an e-bookstore
  • You can find a large selection of e-books at various e-bookstores

Examples of usage

  • I prefer ordering from an online bookstore because I can access a wider selection of titles.
  • The bookstore's website offers user reviews and recommendations.

Translations

Translations of the word "bookstore" in other languages:

🇵🇹 livraria

🇮🇳 किताबों की दुकान

🇩🇪 Buchhandlung

🇮🇩 toko buku

🇺🇦 книжковий магазин

🇵🇱 księgarnia

🇯🇵 本屋

🇫🇷 librairie

🇪🇸 librería

🇹🇷 kitapçı

🇰🇷 서점

🇸🇦 مكتبة

🇨🇿 knihkupectví

🇸🇰 knihkupectvo

🇨🇳 书店

🇸🇮 knjigarna

🇮🇸 bókabúð

🇰🇿 кітап дүкені

🇬🇪 წიგნების მაღაზია

🇦🇿 kitab mağazası

🇲🇽 librería

Etymology

The concept of a bookstore has been around for centuries, evolving from small stalls selling scrolls and manuscripts to modern retail establishments offering a wide range of printed material. The development of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized the book trade, leading to the establishment of dedicated bookstores. Over time, bookstores have adapted to changing technology and consumer preferences, including the rise of online book sales and e-books.

See also: book, bookcase, booked, bookie, booking, bookish, bookkeeper, bookkeeping, booklet, bookmaker, bookrack, bookrest, books, bookshelf, bookshop, bookstand, bookworm, ultrabook.