dollar store: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Commercial
Quick answer
What does “dollar store” mean?
A retail store that sells a wide variety of inexpensive goods, typically with most items priced at one dollar or a similar low, fixed amount.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A retail store that sells a wide variety of inexpensive goods, typically with most items priced at one dollar or a similar low, fixed amount.
A business model or concept of selling goods at extreme low price points, often implying lower quality, seasonal or overstocked items, and budget-conscious shopping. Can metaphorically describe anything of very low cost or perceived value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'dollar store' is the standard term. In the UK, the direct equivalent is 'pound shop' or 'pound store'. The term 'dollar store' is understood but identifies a specifically US-style or US-based chain.
Connotations
In the US, it can be neutral (a practical shopping choice) or slightly negative (associated with low income or poor quality). In the UK, using 'dollar store' specifically references an American cultural and commercial model.
Frequency
High frequency in US English; low frequency in UK English, where 'pound shop' is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “dollar store” in a Sentence
shop at + [the] dollar storebuy + [something] from + [the] dollar store[The] dollar store + sells + [products][Something] is + dollar store + qualityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dollar store” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- It had a bit of a dollar-store aesthetic.
- The decoration looked rather dollar-store.
American English
- She bought dollar-store napkins for the party.
- It was a dollar-store solution to a complex problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the low-cost retail sector, business models based on high-volume, low-margin sales.
Academic
Used in economics, sociology, or business studies discussing consumer behavior, poverty, or retail trends.
Everyday
Common in conversation about shopping, saving money, or describing inexpensive objects.
Technical
Not typically used in highly technical contexts outside of specific retail or supply chain discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dollar store”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dollar store”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dollar store”
- Using 'dollar shop' (less common than 'store'). Confusing it with a 'thrift store' (which sells donated second-hand goods). Misspelling as 'dollarstore' (should be two words or hyphenated: dollar-store).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While the core concept is single-price-point retail, many chains now sell items for more than one dollar (e.g., $1.25, $5), though the majority remain at a very low price.
A dollar store sells new, mass-produced goods at low prices. A thrift store (or charity shop) sells donated second-hand items, with profits often supporting a charitable cause.
Yes, informally. E.g., 'dollar-store sunglasses' means sunglasses that are very cheap and likely low quality, whether literally from such a store or not.
It can be, depending on context. Used neutrally, it describes a type of shop. Used pejoratively (e.g., 'dollar-store philosophy'), it implies something is shoddy, tacky, or of little value.
A retail store that sells a wide variety of inexpensive goods, typically with most items priced at one dollar or a similar low, fixed amount.
Dollar store is usually informal, commercial in register.
Dollar store: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒlə stɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːlɚ stɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dollar-store version of (something) = a much cheaper and inferior imitation.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DOLLAR = one coin, STORE = place.' A place where things cost just one coin.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFORDABILITY IS ACCESSIBILITY (a place for everyone); LOW COST IS LOW QUALITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which country is 'pound shop' the most common equivalent term for 'dollar store'?