drugstore

UK: ˈdrʌɡ.stɔː | US: ˈdrʌɡ.stɔːr

Definition

  1. n. a retail store where medicines and miscellaneous items are sold; a pharmacy.

Structure
drug <medicine>store <retail establishment>
Etymology

The word "drugstore" is a compound of "drug" (from Middle Dutch "droge," meaning "dry," originally referring to dried herbs used in medicine) and "store" (from Old French "estore," meaning "a supply or stock"). The term emerged in the 19th century to describe shops selling medicinal drugs alongside general goods, reflecting the dual role of early pharmacies.

Examples

  1. She stopped by the drugstore to pick up her prescription.

  2. The drugstore on the corner also sells snacks and toiletries.

  3. In the past, drugstores often had soda fountains.

  4. He works part-time at a local drugstore.

  5. Modern drugstores offer a wide range of health and beauty products.