English Reference
noun · verb

mall

n. · v.
US /ˈmɔɫ/ UK /mˈæl/ mall UK spelling malled, malls

  1. 01 A2 Elementary American English

    n.a large building or covered area that has many different shops and restaurants inside it.

    n.a large, usually enclosed, commercial complex containing various retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.

    Simple

    We spent the whole Saturday afternoon at the mall buying new clothes for school.

    In context

    The developers transformed the derelict industrial site into a multi-level shopping mall featuring high-end boutiques and a cinema complex.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'mall' is the standard term in American English, British English speakers usually prefer 'shopping centre'.

    shopping centreshopping precinctplaza
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a wide path or street for people to walk on, where cars are not allowed.

    n.a public walk or promenade, often shaded by trees, or a pedestrianised street in a city centre.

    Simple

    The city turned the main street into a pedestrian mall with benches and trees.

    In context

    The historic district features a wide, tree-lined mall that serves as a gathering place for tourists and local street performers.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced InformalAmerican English

    v.to spend time shopping or hanging out at a shopping mall.

    v.to frequent or shop at a shopping mall; often carries a connotation of leisure or socialising rather than purposeful shopping.

    Simple

    The teenagers like to mall on Friday nights after their homework is done.

    In context

    The study observed how suburban youth tend to mall as a primary form of social engagement during the winter months.

    Teacher's tip

    This verbal use is quite informal and is mostly used when talking about youth culture or social habits.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated