sundry shop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “sundry shop” mean?
A small retail store selling a variety of everyday items, often including groceries, household goods, and sometimes newspapers or tobacco.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small retail store selling a variety of everyday items, often including groceries, household goods, and sometimes newspapers or tobacco.
A convenience store or small general store, typically independently owned and serving a local community. In some contexts, it can imply a slightly old-fashioned or traditional small shop.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Common in British English. In American English, 'corner store', 'convenience store', 'bodega' (in some urban contexts), or 'general store' (in rural contexts) are more typical equivalents.
Connotations
In British English, it can have a slightly quaint or traditional feel. In American English, the term is rarely used and might sound British or archaic.
Frequency
Frequent in older British texts and still understood, but 'corner shop' or 'newsagent's' (for a shop selling newspapers, sweets, etc.) are more common in contemporary UK speech.
Grammar
How to Use “sundry shop” in a Sentence
[Subject] runs a sundry shop.[Subject] bought [object] from the sundry shop.The sundry shop sells [range of items].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sundry shop” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sundry-shop owner knew all his customers.
- It had a charming, sundry-shop feel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of small retail or local business sectors.
Academic
Very rare. Could appear in historical, sociological, or linguistic studies of retail or community.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, primarily in the UK and Commonwealth countries, though other terms are now more common.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sundry shop”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sundry shop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sundry shop”
- Using 'sundry shop' in American English where it is not idiomatic.
- Spelling as 'sundryshop' (should be two words).
- Confusing with 'sundries shop' (also possible, but less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'sundry shop' often implies a smaller, more traditional, and perhaps independently owned store, while 'convenience store' is a broader, more modern term that can include large chains.
It is not standard American English. Using it might cause confusion or sound deliberately British. Use 'corner store', 'convenience store', or 'bodega' (in some areas) instead.
A variety of miscellaneous everyday items, which can include milk, bread, newspapers, magazines, sweets, tobacco, basic household supplies, and sometimes simple hot food or drinks.
It is less common in everyday speech than it once was, especially among younger speakers who favour terms like 'corner shop' or 'newsagent's'. However, it remains widely understood and is still used, particularly by older generations or in more descriptive/nostalgic contexts.
A small retail store selling a variety of everyday items, often including groceries, household goods, and sometimes newspapers or tobacco.
Sundry shop is usually informal, somewhat dated in register.
Sundry shop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌndri ʃɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌndri ʃɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All and sundry (related to the word 'sundry', meaning everyone).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a shop selling a SUNdry (sun-dried) assortment of items – a miscellaneous collection for daily needs.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMMUNITY HUB (a central, familiar point for gathering and obtaining necessities).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'sundry shop' MOST commonly used and understood?