B1noun2K

Mall

UK /["/mɔːl//mæl/"]/US /["/mɔːl/"]/

Definition

a large building or covered area that has many shops, restaurants, etc. inside it

In simple words: A large building with many shops and places to eat.

Examples

  • Let's go to the mall.
  • Teenagers would go hang at the mall after school.
  • Check out **outlet malls** *(= ones which sell goods at reduced prices)* and discount stores for good deals.
  • The friends were shopping at a mall in Columbus.
  • They hit the mall for a wild shopping spree.
  • ‘Where'd you get those earrings?’ ‘At the mall.’
  • They reported him to mall security.
  • The website is a virtual shopping mall.
  • He operates phone repair kiosks in malls in Florida, Georgia and Virginia.
  • Shoppers are flocking to Dubai's huge malls and supermarkets.

Usage notes

Commonly used to refer to shopping centers, especially in North America. Less appropriate in very formal contexts or when discussing smaller retail areas.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'mall' like 'all' the shops in one place.

Collocations

  • shopping
  • strip
  • outlet
  • hit
  • visit
  • hang out at
  • store
  • parking lot
  • food court
  • at the mall

Synonyms

  • shopping center
  • shopping plaza
  • retail complex
  • marketplace

Antonyms

  • open-air market
  • street shop

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'mall' with 'market' - a market is usually outdoors and smaller.
  • Using 'mall' in contexts not related to shopping.
  • Spelling mistakes, like 'maul'.