Store Means a Shop in America and a Supply in Britain
A store is a supply kept for future use, and in American English a shop. The two usages diverged early.
A store is a supply kept for future use, a place where such supplies are held, and in American English a shop. The split is old: in Britain a store is where goods are kept and a shop is where they are sold, while American English generalised store to cover both. Britain kept *store* for the big ones — *department store* is standard everywhere. Latin *instaurare*, to renew or restore, is the root, which also gives *restore*.
- A supply. *A store of grain.*
- A shop (US). *A grocery store.*
- A warehouse. *Put it in store.*
- To keep. *Store the files.*
- Latin — *instaurare*, to renew. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | store | A store. |
| Plural | stores | Stores. |
| Verb | store | Store it. |
| Noun | storage | Storage. |
| Related | restore | Restore. |
- They kept a store of firewood.Supply.
- She went to the store.American.
- Store the documents safely.Verb.
Shop and store across the Atlantic
- Store — American for any retail outlet
- Shop — British for the same, and a verb in both
- Department store — standard in both countries
- Corner shop (UK) — convenience store (US)
- Chemist (UK) — drugstore (US)
Old French *estor*, from *estorer*, to build or furnish, from Latin *instaurare*, to renew or restore.
Is a store the same as a shop?
In American English yes. In British English a store is where goods are kept and a shop is where they are sold, though department store is used everywhere.
Are store and restore related?
Yes. Both come from Latin instaurare, to renew or set up again.