Mall

Definition

Mall is a noun. It refers to a large, enclosed shopping center with a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Historically, it also referred to a shaded promenade or public walkway.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mɔːl/ or /mæl/
• Respelling: MAWL or MAL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mɔːl/
• Respelling: MAWL

Etymology

The word "mall" originates from the Italian "pallamaglio," a game played with a mallet and ball. It entered English as "mall" in the 16th century, referring to a space used for the game. By the 18th century, it came to mean a shaded promenade, and in the 20th century, it evolved to describe a shopping complex.

Derivatives

• Malling (noun, informal)
• Shopping mall (noun)
• Maller (noun, informal)
• Malled (adjective, informal)
• Mallrat (noun, informal)

Synonyms

• Shopping center
• Arcade
• Plaza

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "mall" is used predominantly to describe shopping destinations and occasionally public promenades. For example, "We spent the afternoon at the mall," or "The Mall in London is a famous promenade."

Related Terms

• Promenade: A public walkway, historically associated with malls.
• Retail: The sale of goods directly to consumers.
• Complex: A group of interconnected buildings or spaces.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A large, enclosed shopping center: Refers to a space with retail stores and other facilities.
  • Example: "The mall has over 100 stores and a food court."
• A shaded promenade or walkway: Refers to a public area for walking, often lined with trees.
  • Example: "The Mall in St. James's Park is a historic walkway."