cigar store: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, historical, commercial
Quick answer
What does “cigar store” mean?
A retail shop that primarily sells cigars, tobacco, and related accessories.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A retail shop that primarily sells cigars, tobacco, and related accessories.
Historically, a social hub for men; can also refer to a shop selling a wider range of tobacco products, pipes, lighters, and sometimes newspapers or confectionery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'tobacconist' is the far more common term. 'Cigar store' is understood but sounds distinctly American. In American English, 'cigar store' is standard, though 'smoke shop' or 'tobacco shop' are also used.
Connotations
UK: An Americanism; evokes images of classic American urban storefronts. US: Neutral commercial term, but can have a nostalgic or traditional connotation.
Frequency
Low frequency in modern UK English; moderate in US English, though declining as tobacco consumption decreases.
Grammar
How to Use “cigar store” in a Sentence
[to buy/visit/frequent] a cigar storethe cigar store [on/around/near] [location]cigar store [owner/clerk/atmosphere]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cigar store” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail sector descriptions, commercial property listings, and historical business analyses.
Academic
Appears in historical, sociological, or cultural studies discussing retail history, advertising (e.g., cigar store Indians), or public health.
Everyday
Used when specifically referring to a shop that specialises in cigars, though 'tobacconist' is more common in the UK.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cigar store”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cigar store”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cigar store”
- Using 'cigar shop' interchangeably (acceptable but less common than 'store' in the fixed phrase). Confusing it with a 'corner shop' which sells a wider variety of goods. Capitalising it when not part of a proper name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A newsagent primarily sells newspapers, magazines, and confectionery, and may also sell cigarettes. A traditional cigar store/tobacconist specialises in cigars, loose tobacco, pipes, and related accessories.
It refers to stereotypical wooden statues of Native Americans used as advertising. These statues are now widely seen as disrespectful caricatures that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reduce diverse cultures to a marketing tool.
Yes, 'cigar shop' is understandable and used, but 'cigar store' is the more established, traditional compound noun, especially in American English.
It is much less common than in the past due to declining smoking rates and stricter regulations. They now often survive as specialised, high-end retailers or have evolved into broader 'smoke shops' selling various products.
A retail shop that primarily sells cigars, tobacco, and related accessories.
Cigar store is usually formal, historical, commercial in register.
Cigar store: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈɡɑː stɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˈɡɑr stɔr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[as rare/scarce as] a cigar store Indian (dated, potentially offensive)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CIGAR' being sold in a 'STORE'. It's a store for cigars, just like a 'book store' is for books.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CIGAR STORE IS A HAVEN/CLUB (historical metaphor of a male social space).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used in British English for a shop selling cigars and tobacco?