Pronunciation: [mˈal] (IPA) 
The word "mall" is spelt with a short "a" sound, representing the phoneme /æ/. This sound is produced by lowering the jaw and tongue and pushing the air out through the mouth, resulting in a vowel sound that is similar to the middle sound in the word "cat". The spelling of the word "mall" is consistent with English orthography, as the letter "a" often represents the /æ/ sound in words such as "cat", "hat", and "bat".
A mall is a large, enclosed shopping complex or center that houses a variety of retail stores, shops, and other commercial establishments. These complexes are designed to provide a one-stop shopping experience for consumers, combining a range of stores and amenities within a single location.
Malls typically feature a diverse selection of retailers, including department stores, clothing boutiques, electronics outlets, bookshops, and specialty stores catering to various interests and needs. They often incorporate multiple levels and corridors, allowing for easy navigation and exploration. Malls may also include entertainment options such as movie theaters, arcades, restaurants, and food courts, offering visitors a complete shopping and leisure experience.
These commercial complexes are usually developed in urban areas, easily accessible and well-connected by public transportation. Malls offer a convenient and centralized location for consumers to shop for a wide range of products and services, providing a controlled environment that protects shoppers from unfavorable weather conditions or other external factors.
Malls have become a significant element of modern consumer culture, serving as a social gathering place, offering a convenient meeting point for friends and family, and hosting various events and activities. They are often seen as a symbol of urban development and progress, contributing to economic growth and providing employment opportunities within the local community.
• A court of justice.
• A heavy wooden beetle; an instrument for driving anything with force; a public walk; a level shaded walk, so called from being originally a walk where they played with malls and balls.
• To beat with something heavy; to bruise.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mall" originated from the Latin word "malla" or "balla" which meant "hammer" or "mallet". In ancient Rome, a "malla" was a place where ball games were played or a public area used for various recreational activities. Over time, the term expanded to refer to any public gathering place. In the 18th century, the word "mal", derived from "malla", was used to describe a tree-lined promenade or boulevard, particularly in areas of fashionable shops.
The modern meaning of "mall" as a large enclosed shopping center can be traced back to 20th-century America. In the early 1900s, a shopping complex called "The Arcade" was built in Cleveland, Ohio. Inspired by European shopping arcades, it featured a glass roof and a collection of shops under one roof.
