brick-and-mortar

adjective

brick-and-mor·​tar ˈbrik-ən(d)-ˈmȯr-tər How to pronounce brick-and-mortar (audio)
variants or bricks-and-mortar
: relating to or being a traditional business serving customers in a building as contrasted to an online business
a brick-and-mortar store

Examples of brick-and-mortar 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.
At nearly 16 bucks, a three-street-taco combo at Serrano’s actually costs a bit more than a similar plate at a brick-and-mortar such as Taqueria La Flama. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026 Set Active is expanding its brick-and-mortar base, turning its Austin pop-up into a permanent location. — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Launched as a food truck in 2020, Romeo’s quickly grew and made plans for a brick-and-mortar location that opened the following year. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026 In August, the candidates sparred over their support for street food vendors versus brick-and-mortar restaurants. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brick-and-mortar

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brick-and-mortar was in 1975

Rhymes for brick-and-mortar

See All Rhymes for brick-and-mortar

Browse Nearby Words

brick
brick-and-mortar
brickbat
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Cite this Entry

“Brick-and-mortar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brick-and-mortar. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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