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shopwindow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/ˈʃɒpˌwɪn.dəʊ/US/ˈʃɑːpˌwɪn.doʊ/

Neutral to informal in literal use; can be formal in metaphorical use (e.g., business contexts).

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Quick answer

What does “shopwindow” mean?

A large window at the front of a shop, used to display goods for sale to attract customers.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A large window at the front of a shop, used to display goods for sale to attract customers.

Figuratively, any context or situation used to display or showcase something (e.g., skills, products, qualities) to attract attention, approval, or admiration.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'shopwindow' or 'shop window' is standard. In American English, 'store window' is more common, but 'shop window' is understood.

Connotations

The literal meaning is identical. The metaphorical use may be slightly more established in British English.

Frequency

Higher frequency in UK English. In US English, 'storefront window' or 'display window' are common alternatives.

Grammar

How to Use “shopwindow” in a Sentence

NP + be + a shopwindow for NPNP + have + a shopwindowNP + look in/at + the shopwindow

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
dress a shopwindowlook in the shopwindowshopwindow display
medium
attractive shopwindowChristmas shopwindowbreak the shopwindow
weak
clean the shopwindowempty shopwindowbright shopwindow

Examples

Examples of “shopwindow” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The gallery shopwindowed the artist's controversial new work. (rare, metaphorical)

adjective

British English

  • The shopwindow display was stunning.

American English

  • The store-window mannequin looked lifelike.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used metaphorically: 'The trade fair serves as a shop window for our new product line.'

Academic

Rare; may appear in cultural studies or retail anthropology discussing consumerism.

Everyday

Literal: 'I saw a lovely dress in the shopwindow.'

Technical

Not typically used in technical contexts.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “shopwindow”

Neutral

display windowstore windowshowcase

Weak

windowfront windowdisplay case

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “shopwindow”

back roomstoragewarehouse

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “shopwindow”

  • Misspelling as 'shop window' vs. 'shopwindow' (both accepted).
  • Using 'shopwindow' as a verb (non-standard).
  • Incorrect preposition: 'in the shopwindow' (looking at contents) vs. 'on the shopwindow' (on the glass surface).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both 'shopwindow' (closed compound) and 'shop window' (two words) are correct. 'Shop-window' (hyphenated) is less common.

Literally, a 'shopwindow' is specifically a window. 'Showcase' can be any display case. Metaphorically, they are very similar, but 'showcase' is more common as a verb.

It is understood, but 'store window' or 'display window' is more typical in everyday American English.

No, it is not standard. Use 'showcase', 'display', or 'feature' instead for the verbal meaning.

A large window at the front of a shop, used to display goods for sale to attract customers.

Shopwindow is usually neutral to informal in literal use; can be formal in metaphorical use (e.g., business contexts). in register.

Shopwindow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɒpˌwɪn.dəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːpˌwɪn.doʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “A shop window for something”
  • “Dressed/Decorated like a shopwindow”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a SHOP's WINDOW where you see DOPE items for sale.

Conceptual Metaphor

OPPORTUNITIES ARE WINDOWS; ATTRACTING ATTENTION IS DISPLAYING GOODS.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The boutique's beautiful display attracted many passers-by.
Multiple Choice

In which sentence is 'shopwindow' used metaphorically?

shopwindow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore