Shop (noun) — a place where you go to buy something. There are many different types of shops, such as food shops, clothes shops, book shops, and others. With this brief look at a shop’s description, let’s uncover this word better.
How to Pronounce “Shop”: Audio Guidelines and Expert Tips
Audio (UK):
Audio (US):
Start with the soft sh sound like in the word “she,” then move to a short o sound, same as in “hot.” Finish with a clean p sound. Avoid pronouncing the o too long.
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Examples: How to Use “Shop” in a Sentence?
Now, let’s consider how to use the word “shop” in everyday life. Here are some of the examples.
What Are Synonyms for the Word “Shop”?
We have also collected some of the “shop” synonyms to make your vocabulary richer.
Related nouns: outlet (US) retail park (UK) mall (US)
Synonyms (contextual): store market boutique grocery
Common collocations: thrift shop tea shop gift shop
“Shop” Word Formation and Description in Context
For a more natural and smooth speech and writing, it is also necessary to learn how to use words in context. Let’s dive into the formation aspect to define “shop” better.
With adjectives: small shop online shop nice shop
With verbs: visit a shop run a shop open a shop
With nouns (noun + noun): book shop flower shop souvenir shop
Popular Idioms and Phrases with “Shop”
Here are also our top-3 idioms with the word “shop,” so you can sound fluent in your next conversation.
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To talk shop — to talk about your work too much, even when you’re not working.
I asked her to stop talkingshop . After all, we’re on vacation now! -
To set up shop — to start your own business or begin working in a new place.
She dreamed of setting upshop in this marketing agency after college. -
To be like a bull in a china shop — to be very clumsy, especially in places where you need to be careful.
Jake broke my favorite plate — he’s like a bull in a chinashop .
Let’s See How You Memorized the “Shop’s” Meaning — a Quiz Time!
Now it’s the best time for practice. After you’ve learned the description of “shop,” its synonyms, and examples of use, let’s solidify your knowledge with a quick quiz.
Enjoy personalized learning!
How a “Shop” Word Sounds Around the World?
Here’s how to say “shop” in the top-3 world’s most spoken languages so you will stand out abroad.
| Language | Word for “Shop” |
|---|---|
Spanish |
Tienda |
French |
Magasin |
German |
Geschäft |
Did You Know That? Interesting Facts About “Shop”
How could we leave you without interesting facts about shops? Here are some of the most exciting.
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The oldest known shop is over 2,000 years old.
In Pompeii, archaeologists have discovered a thermopolium (ancient food shop), which is more than 2,000 years old. This place had deep terra cotta jars in the counter, which were probably meant to dispense hot food to the visitors. The find sheds some light on the everyday life and business in ancient Rome. -
Online shopping started in 1994.
Dan Kohn completed the first secure online transaction on August 11, 1994, when he sold a CD of Sting’s album called “Ten Summoner Tales” to a friend through a NetMarket site. The transaction was provided under a Secure Socket Layer (SSL), which has become a significant milestone in the history of e-commerce. -
There are 24 million online shops in the world!
The number of online stores in the world is approximately 24 million in 2025. That is a huge number of places to shop with your phone or computer! Meanwhile, the European regular stores are also performing well. Physical shops are being opened in cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin, and sales are predicted to increase by 4 percent this year.
Famous Quotes Featuring “Shop”
And what about the well-known sayings with a “shop” use? Learn the most iconic phrases with this word.
— Bo Derek
Explanation: A humorous reminder that sometimes purchases can bring small joys — especially when it’s done wisely. This saying represents shopping as a nice way to treat yourself and make everyday life a little brighter.
Or at the pop shop
Meet me in the moonlight
Or in the daylight”
— Connie Francis “Pretty Little Baby”
Explanation: This quote is from the song “Pretty Little Baby” by Connie Francis. The lyrics playfully suggest meeting in different casual or fun locations, like a “car hop” (a drive-in server) or a “pop shop” (a soda or candy shop), showing the carefree and lighthearted mood of young romance.
— Edward Lewis, “Pretty Woman”
Explanation: The iconic scene from one of the most famous romantic films of the 90s, where Edward Lewis is in a shop and sees a very beautiful woman. He asks if anything in the shop is as beautiful as her, in order to show his interest.
