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Mall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mall

[mɔːl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

shopping center

A large building or series of connected buildings containing a variety of retail stores and typically also restaurants.

Synonyms

plaza, shopping center, shopping mall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mall

Typically used in American English to describe a large indoor shopping area with many stores and often restaurants and entertainment options.

  • Let's go to the mall and check out the new clothing store.
  • The mall is always crowded on weekends.
shopping center

General term for a place with various types of stores, can be used interchangeably with 'shopping mall', but often used to describe smaller or less centralized collections of stores.

  • I stopped by the shopping center to pick up some groceries.
  • The shopping center has a mix of retail stores and service providers.
plaza

Often refers to an open public space in a city, but in the context of shopping, it is used to describe an open-area shopping center, usually smaller than a mall.

  • We visited the plaza downtown which had a beautiful fountain and several boutique shops.
  • There's a new restaurant that opened in the plaza near my office.
shopping mall

Another American English term similar to 'mall', emphasizing the shopping aspect, often used to describe large indoor retail complexes.

  • There's a new movie theater opening in the shopping mall.
  • We spent all day browsing the shops at the shopping mall.

Examples of usage

  • Let's go to the mall to buy some new clothes.
  • The mall was crowded with shoppers during the holiday season.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • Malls became symbols of consumer culture, particularly in the United States during the late 20th century.
  • Films such as 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' and 'Clueless' have popularized the mall as a social gathering spot for teens.
  • The decline of shopping malls is often attributed to the rise of online shopping and changes in consumer habits.

Architecture

  • Malls often feature a distinctive architectural style with open spaces, escalators, and a combination of natural and artificial lighting.
  • The concept of the 'anchor store' is crucial; large retail outlets draw customers, often ensuring smaller shops thrive.
  • Many malls include leisure facilities like cinemas and ice rinks, making them a complete entertainment destination.

Psychology

  • Shopping malls are designed to evoke feelings of comfort and safety, often featuring pleasing colors and layouts.
  • Studies show people may spend up to 50% more time and money in stores that utilize certain environmental cues like music and scents.
  • Social interactions at malls can fulfill the human need for connection, serving as a hub for community and socializing.

Global Variation

  • While American malls are spacious and often include food courts, Asian malls tend to be more vertical and emphasize restaurants and entertainment.
  • In some cultures, open-air shopping areas mimic the concept of malls but offer a more integrated experience with local markets.
  • Shopping centers in Europe often prioritize unique boutiques and artisanal shops, providing a contrasting feel to traditional malls.

Origin of 'mall'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mall' comes from the 16th century term 'pall-mall', which referred to a game played in a long, narrow alley.
  • Originally, it described a promenade for walking, particularly in Paris, before evolving to mean a shopping area.
  • The idea of a shopping mall emerged in the 1950s, transforming the original concept into a commercial hub.

The word 'mall' originated from the Latin word 'malla', meaning 'public meeting place'. It was first used in English to refer to an alley used for ball games in the 1730s. The modern meaning of a shopping center developed in the mid-20th century, as large indoor shopping complexes became popular in urban areas.

See also: mallet.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,896, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.