stall

/stɔːl/
noun, verbIntermediate
informal

a small shop or booth, often in a market or fair, selling goods or services

He set up a stall to sell handmade jewelry at the craft fair.

A small shop or booth selling handmade jewelry.

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Common in markets, fairs, and outdoor events.

informal

to delay or hesitate, often intentionally

The negotiations stalled when one party refused to compromise.

The talks delayed or hesitated due to a lack of compromise.

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Often used in business or political contexts.

informal

to stop moving, especially when a vehicle or machine stops working

The car stalled in the middle of the road.

The car stopped moving and stopped working.

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Common in mechanical or transportation contexts.

formal

a place where livestock, especially horses, are kept

The farmer led the horse to the stall for the night.

A place where horses are kept.

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Used in agricultural or equestrian contexts.

Collocations

set up a stallto establish a small shop or boothstall negotiationsto delay or obstruct talksstall a carto cause a vehicle to stop working

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

stall tacticsphrase
deliberate delays to obstruct progress
stall outphrasal verb
to stop moving or working suddenly

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'stall' changes based on context. Pay attention to whether it's used in a market, mechanical, or negotiation setting.

Gold Rule

Primary Meaning

In most everyday contexts, 'stall' refers to a small shop or booth in a market.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'stale', meaning 'to stop or stand still'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'stall' has multiple meanings depending on context. In markets, it refers to a small shop or booth. In mechanical contexts, it means to stop working. In negotiations, it means to delay or hesitate.

Word Breakdown

stall
to stop or stand still
root
English Dictionary