# bookstore

/ˈbʊkˌstɔɹ/ (US) · /bˈʊkstɔː/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a shop for books

noun · CEFR A2

a shop where you can buy new or used books.

For teachers: a retail outlet primarily dedicated to the sale of books.

- I spent the whole afternoon browsing the shelves at the local bookstore.
- The independent bookstore survived the rise of digital media by hosting weekly readings and maintaining a curated selection of rare editions.

### 2. a stationery shop

noun · CEFR C1 · Dialect

a shop that sells paper, pens, and other office supplies.

For teachers: a retail establishment specialising in stationery, writing instruments, and school supplies.

- I need to stop by the bookstore to buy some notebooks and pens for class.
- In the Philippines, a bookstore often functions as a primary source for school supplies rather than just a place to purchase literature.

Usage: Commonly used in Philippine English to refer to shops like National Book Store.

## Examples

- I bought a novel at the bookstore.
- She spent the afternoon browsing the shelves at the local bookstore.
- The independent bookstore survived the digital revolution by curating rare editions and hosting intimate author readings.

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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.