liquor store: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
CommonEveryday, Informal
Quick answer
What does “liquor store” mean?
A retail establishment that sells alcoholic beverages, particularly spirits, beer, and wine, for consumption off the premises.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A retail establishment that sells alcoholic beverages, particularly spirits, beer, and wine, for consumption off the premises.
The term can refer more broadly to any shop specializing in alcoholic drinks, but in common usage, it strongly implies a commercial outlet where spirits are the primary focus. It often operates under specific local licensing laws.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'liquor store' is primarily American. In British English, the equivalent shop is commonly called an 'off-licence' (often abbreviated to 'offy' colloquially) or a 'wine merchant'. A shop selling a broad range of alcohol is often a 'supermarket' or 'newsagent' (for beer/wine).
Connotations
In the US, 'liquor store' is neutral and standard. In the UK, 'liquor store' sounds distinctly American; using it might imply a shop specifically for spirits or an American-style establishment.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in American English; very low frequency in British English, where the native terms are used.
Grammar
How to Use “liquor store” in a Sentence
N + V: The liquor store sells...V + N: He bought it from the liquor store.Prep + N: I'm going to the liquor store.Adj + N: a well-stocked liquor storeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquor 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
In business contexts, terms like 'alcoholic beverage retailer', 'retail liquor outlet', or 'regulated alcohol vendor' are more formal.
Academic
Rare; might appear in sociological or public health studies on alcohol access.
Everyday
The most common and neutral register for the concept in American English.
Technical
Used in legal or regulatory documents specifying types of licensed premises.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liquor store”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liquor store”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquor store”
- Misspelling as 'liquour store' (incorrect).
- Using 'liquor store' in British contexts where 'off-licence' is expected.
- Confusing with 'bar' or 'pub' (which are for on-site consumption).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A liquor store sells alcohol for consumption elsewhere (off-premises). A bar sells alcohol for immediate consumption on the premises.
In most American liquor stores, yes. They typically sell a full range of alcoholic beverages: spirits, wine, and beer, though some may specialize.
Their prevalence is often tied to local alcohol licensing laws, zoning regulations, and market demand. In areas where supermarkets cannot sell spirits, dedicated liquor stores are common.
In some US states (control states), the government operates the retail sale of spirits through state-owned stores. These are often called 'state liquor stores' or 'ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) stores'.
A retail establishment that sells alcoholic beverages, particularly spirits, beer, and wine, for consumption off the premises.
Liquor store is usually everyday, informal in register.
Liquor store: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.ə ˌstɔːr/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.ɚ ˌstɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He runs that place like a well-stocked liquor store.”
- “It was like trying to find a sober man in a liquor store.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'lick' + 'or' -> You 'lick' your lips for a drink, OR you go to the store to buy it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR DESIRE: The liquor store is a source/supplier of a commodity that satisfies a craving.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most direct American English equivalent to the British 'off-licence'?