mall

mall · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large enclosed shopping area; a shopping center with many stores under one roof.

  2. 2.

    A sheltered walk or promenade, especially one lined with shops.

  3. 3.

    (Historical) A public walk or promenade, originally one used for playing pall-mall (an old ball game).

Forms

plural: malls

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    strip mall — a row of stores with a shared parking area
  • •
    shopping mall — a large enclosed retail complex
  • •
    mall rat — a young person who spends a lot of time at shopping malls

Related words

See also: market, plaza, shop, store
Synonyms: plaza, shopping center, shopping centre, shopping complex

Etymology

From Italian palla a maglio ("ball and mallet"), referring to the game pall-mall. The term was transferred to the tree-lined walks where the game was played, and later to any broad promenade. The shopping center meaning developed in mid-20th century America.