# bookshop

/ˈbʊkˌʃɑp/ (US) · /bˈʊkʃɒp/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bookshop
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a shop where you can buy books. You go here to browse the shelves and find something new to read.

For teachers: a retail establishment where books are sold. Often used as a synonym for 'bookstore', though the former is more common in British English.

## Examples

- I bought a new novel at the bookshop today.
- The local bookshop holds weekly poetry readings to encourage more people to visit the store.
- While digital retailers offer convenience, the independent bookshop remains a vital cultural hub for communities, providing curated selections and a tactile browsing experience that algorithms cannot replicate.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a single word in British English, whereas American English often prefers 'bookstore'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.