floor model: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/ˈflɔː ˈmɒd.əl/US/ˈflɔr ˈmɑː.dəl/

Commercial/Retail

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “floor model” mean?

A product displayed in a store for customers to examine, test, or try out before purchase.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A product displayed in a store for customers to examine, test, or try out before purchase.

A sample or demonstration unit of merchandise, often sold at a discount after being used for display purposes; can also refer to a prototype or example used in presentations or exhibitions.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The term is used in both varieties with identical meaning. British English may occasionally use 'display model' as a near-synonym, but 'floor model' is well understood.

Connotations

Neutral in both; implies a potential bargain due to discount, but may also suggest the item is not pristine.

Frequency

Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger big-box retail culture, but common in UK retail as well.

Grammar

How to Use “floor model” in a Sentence

buy + floor modelsell + floor model + at a discountthe + floor model + of + [product]ask about + the floor model

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
discounted floor modellast floor modelex-display floor modelpurchase the floor model
medium
television floor modelappliance floor modelfurniture floor modeldemo floor model
weak
cheap floor modelold floor modelbig floor modelnice floor model

Examples

Examples of “floor model” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • They decided to floor-model the new sound system to attract customers.
  • We should floor-model these laptops over the weekend.

American English

  • The store will floor-model the latest grills before the summer sale.
  • They floor-modeled the treadmills right by the entrance.

adverb

British English

  • The sofa was sold floor-model, with no original packaging.
  • It's available floor-model only, not boxed.

American English

  • They're selling it floor-model, so inspect it carefully.
  • The unit is priced floor-model, as-is.

adjective

British English

  • They bought a floor-model television at a significant reduction.
  • The floor-model dishwasher had a small dent on the side.

American English

  • We're offering a floor-model discount on all display furniture.
  • Check the floor-model price tag for the final cost.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Retailers often discount floor models at the end of a product cycle to clear space.

Academic

Rare in academic texts except in studies of consumer behavior or retail management.

Everyday

I got a great deal on a floor model fridge; it works perfectly but had a small scratch.

Technical

In retail logistics, a floor model is assigned a separate SKU from boxed inventory.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “floor model”

Strong

ex-display itemdemonstration model

Neutral

display modelshowroom modeldemo unit

Weak

sampleshowpieceexhibition piece

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “floor model”

new in boxsealed unitunopened stockbrand new item

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “floor model”

  • Using 'floor model' to mean a model of a floor (architectural).
  • Assuming a floor model is broken or defective—it's usually fully functional.
  • Confusing with 'floor plan' (layout of a building).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a floor model is primarily for display and demonstration. It may have minor signs of handling (dust, fingerprints, light wear) but is typically in working condition and rarely significantly damaged.

Usually, yes. Floor models are normally sold with the manufacturer's standard warranty, unless explicitly sold 'as-is'. It's always important to confirm warranty terms before purchase.

Return policies for floor models vary by retailer. They are often subject to the same return rules as new items, but some stores may have specific 'final sale' policies for display items. Always check the policy.

A floor model was used for in-store display. A refurbished item was previously owned and returned, then professionally repaired and tested to meet original specifications. They are different categories, though both may be sold at a discount.

A product displayed in a store for customers to examine, test, or try out before purchase.

Floor model is usually commercial/retail in register.

Floor model: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɔː ˈmɒd.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɔr ˈmɑː.dəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • the floor model special
  • last one on the floor

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a model (example) of a product sitting on the shop FLOOR for everyone to see.

Conceptual Metaphor

A PRODUCT IS A SHOWPIECE (when displayed); A BARGAIN IS A USED ITEM (when sold).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Because it was the last , the shop assistant offered me a 15% discount.
Multiple Choice

What is a typical characteristic of a 'floor model'?