gimbel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Proper Noun
Quick answer
What does “gimbel” mean?
A proper noun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun; primarily a surname and the name of a historic American department store chain (Gimbels). It is not a common English word with a general lexical meaning.
Used to refer to the former department store or in phrases like 'going to Gimbels'. Can be used allusively to refer to old-fashioned retail or rivalry (e.g., with Macy's).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The store chain was American. The word is largely unknown in the UK except in historical or cultural references to American retail.
Connotations
In the US, it evokes mid-20th century department store culture, nostalgia, and the famous rivalry with Macy's. In the UK, it has little to no connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary UK English. In US English, it is recognized by older generations or those familiar with retail history.
Grammar
How to Use “gimbel” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (requires no arguments)at [Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gimbel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- (Rarely) 'a Gimbel-style sale'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referent for a defunct retail business model or historical case studies.
Academic
Appears in historical texts about American commerce, urban development, or consumer culture.
Everyday
Rare. Used by older speakers recalling shopping or in cultural references (e.g., films set in mid-20th century New York).
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gimbel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gimbel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gimbel”
- Misspelling as 'Gimble' or 'Gimball'. Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a gimbel' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a proper noun (a name) and is not part of the general vocabulary.
It is pronounced /ˈɡɪmbəl/, with a hard 'G' as in 'give'.
No, it is exclusively a proper noun referring to the specific store or family. Do not use it as a common noun or verb.
No, the Gimbels department store chain closed in the 1980s. It is now a historical reference.
A proper noun.
Gimbel is usually historical / proper noun in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Does Macy's tell Gimbels?' (historical idiom about rivalry and trade secrets)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GIMBELS lost its 'S' to become a GIMBEL, just like one store in the chain.'
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for proper nouns.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Gimbel' primarily known as?