floor model: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Commercial/Retail
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 modelVocabulary
Collocations
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
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “floor model”
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
What is a typical characteristic of a 'floor model'?