dime store
Definition
- Noun (countable):
- A "dime store" is a retail store that sells inexpensive items, typically low-cost household goods, toys, and personal care products. Historically, it was a store where many items cost only a dime (ten cents).
- Also known as a "five-and-dime" or "variety store."
Usage Examples
- (A shop selling cheap, everyday items.)
- (Historically, stores with low-priced goods.)
- (A specific variety store.)
Advanced Usage
- "dime-store" (as an adjective): Used to describe something cheap, low-quality, or resembling items sold in a dime store.
- He wore a dime-store watch that broke after a week. (A cheap, low-quality watch.)
- Their decorations looked like dime-store trinkets. (Inexpensive, mass-produced ornaments.)
Variants and Related Words
Five-and-dime (n): a synonym for "dime store," emphasizing the historical price range of five and ten cents.
- The five-and-dime sold everything from buttons to kitchen utensils. (A variety store with low prices.)
Variety store (n): a more modern term for a store selling a wide range of inexpensive goods.
- The variety store replaced the old dime store in the shopping center. (A similar type of retail shop.)
Synonyms
- Five-and-ten: another historical term for a dime store.
- Bargain store: a store focused on low-cost merchandise.
- Discount store: a broader term for stores selling items at reduced prices.
Related Idioms
- Not worth a dime: something of little or no value.
- That broken toy from the dime store is not worth a dime. (The item is worthless.)
- A dime a dozen: very common and not valuable.
- Cheap souvenirs from the dime store are a dime a dozen. (They are plentiful and low-quality.)