Definition

Noun: A very large self-service retail store, typically located on the outskirts of a town or city, that sells a wide variety of food and household goods, often under one roof and at discounted prices. It combines the features of a supermarket and a department store.

Usage

The word "hypermarket" is used to describe a specific type of large-scale retail outlet. It is a count noun. - It is often used in contrast to smaller supermarkets or grocery stores. - It typically implies a destination for major shopping trips due to its size and location.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The concept originated in Europe and is particularly common in countries like France (where the term was coined), the UK, and parts of Asia.
• In some regions, the term is used interchangeably with "superstore," though "hypermarket" often emphasizes even greater size and a broader, more diverse range of non-food products.

Variants and Related Words

• Supermarket (noun): A large self-service store selling foods and household goods. A hypermarket is generally larger than a supermarket.
• Megastore (noun): A very large store, often specializing in a particular type of goods (e.g., electronics, furniture). A hypermarket is a type of megastore with a general merchandise focus.
• Big-box store (noun): A large retail store, typically built in a rectangular box-like format, that sells a wide variety of discounted goods. This is a broader category that includes hypermarkets.

Synonyms

• Superstore
• Megastore (in some contexts)
• Big-box store (in some contexts)

Antonyms

• Corner shop
• Convenience store
• Boutique

Related Phrases/Idioms

(No common idioms or phrasal verbs are directly formed with the specific word "hypermarket.")

Noun

1. a huge supermarket (usually built on the outskirts of a town)