mall /mɔːl/noun 7verb 3forms 3 noun7 •a group of stores under one roof, with paths inside for people to walk between themEvery day, at about the time the rest of us go to work, groups of retirees gather at many of America′s enclosed shopping malls. — 2004 •(US, Australia) A pedestrianised street, especially a shopping precinct.The preliminary plans provide for one million square feet of selling space in three main buildings and a double row of shops along a central shopping mall. — 1950 •A public walk; a level shaded walk, a promenade.Part of the area was laid out in gravel walks, and planted with elms; and these convenient and frequented walks obtained the name of the City Mall. — 1820 •A heavy wooden mallet or hammer used in the game of pall mall.I also fell slightly; but his fall proving a severe one, he arose in wrath, and struck me with the mall which he held in his hand, until my blood flowed copiously […] — 1824 •(no longer used) An old game played with malls or mallets and balls; pall mall.But playing with the Boy ar Mall, (I rue the Time, and ever shall) I struck the Ball, I know not how — 1675 •(no longer used) An alley where the game of pall mall was played. •(no longer used) The game of polo. verb3 •(informal) to shop at the mall •to build up with the development of shopping malls •to beat with a mall, or mallet; to beat with something heavy; to bruise formsmalled · malling · malls
