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.
Zazzi let Bonnet have four tables in the drug store, a space that morphed into her first brick-and-mortar. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 The decision to close the brick-and-mortar storefront reflects broader changes in the antiques business. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 Sticky Fingers Cooking provides both in-person and online options, which is helpful for families who do not live near a brick-and-mortar program. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 In 2015, the brick-and-mortar Californios was born in the City by the Bay, earning a Michelin star in its first year. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 June 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brick-and-mortar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brick-and-mortar. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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