Definition

Noun: A retail establishment where books are the primary or exclusive merchandise offered for sale to the public.

Usage

A "bookshop" is a physical store. You go to a bookshop to browse, purchase, or sometimes order books. It is synonymous with "bookstore," though "bookshop" is more common in British English.

Examples

• I spent the afternoon browsing in the bookshop.
• The small independent bookshop on the corner hosts author readings every month.
• Can you stop by the bookshop and pick up the novel I reserved?

Advanced Usage

• "To run a bookshop": To own and manage a bookstore.
  • Her dream was to run a small bookshop by the sea.
• Used attributively (as a noun modifier) to describe a type or aspect of the shop.
  • The bookshop owner is very knowledgeable.
  • It was a classic bookshop experience, with tall shelves and the smell of paper.

Variants and Related Words

• Bookstore (noun): The more common term in American English, identical in meaning to "bookshop."
• Bookseller (noun): A person or company that sells books, which can refer to the owner of a bookshop or a larger distributor.

Synonyms

• Bookstore
• Bookseller (when referring to the retail establishment itself)

Notes on Meaning

The word "bookshop" refers specifically to the commercial premises. It does not describe online book retailers, libraries (where books are borrowed, not sold), or other types of shops that might sell some books among other items.

Noun

1. a shop where books are sold