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stall
/stɔːl/
a small shop or booth, often in a market
She bought fresh flowers from a stall at the farmer's market.
A small shop or booth in a market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Antonyms
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary