hon·ky-tonk
ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋk 
ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk
1
: a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall
especially
: one that features country music
2
: a district marked by places of cheap entertainment
3
: country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune
1
: of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano
2
: marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks
Examples of honky-tonk in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026
As evening falls, the crowd drifts downtown to the Blue Moon Saloon, a honky-tonk that resembles a back porch more than a concert venue.
—Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
The record is heavy on Ketchum’s baritone vocals and electric honky-tonk sound that helped the Train Robbers gain a fanbase in the Pacific Northwest since their 2017 debut, Gravel.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026
Gilley, a chart-topping country singer and nightclub owner, became synonymous with honky-tonk hits and Gilley’s Club, the Texas nightspot that helped spark the 1980s’ urban cowboy craze.
—Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 20 Jan. 2026
Come for the home brew, stay for the honky-tonk.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
The ad shows the pair two-stepping in cowboy boots at a Billy Bob’s–style honky-tonk before cutting to them in business attire, swing dancing in the Senate.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
Some main streets maintain a quieter, almost nostalgic presence, while others are more lively (take a walk down Nashville’s Lower Broadway at night for a real dose of honky-tonk revelry).
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Nearby Ryman is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a legendary honky-tonk bar in downtown Nashville.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
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Adjective
Longtime fans of Billy Bob’s Texas may remember that its founder, Billy Bob Barnett, erected a 12-foot bronze statue of his good friend Binion outside the honky-tonk’s entrance.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026
As evening falls, the crowd drifts downtown to the Blue Moon Saloon, a honky-tonk that resembles a back porch more than a concert venue.
—Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
The record is heavy on Ketchum’s baritone vocals and electric honky-tonk sound that helped the Train Robbers gain a fanbase in the Pacific Northwest since their 2017 debut, Gravel.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026
Gilley, a chart-topping country singer and nightclub owner, became synonymous with honky-tonk hits and Gilley’s Club, the Texas nightspot that helped spark the 1980s’ urban cowboy craze.
—Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 20 Jan. 2026
Come for the home brew, stay for the honky-tonk.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
The ad shows the pair two-stepping in cowboy boots at a Billy Bob’s–style honky-tonk before cutting to them in business attire, swing dancing in the Senate.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
Some main streets maintain a quieter, almost nostalgic presence, while others are more lively (take a walk down Nashville’s Lower Broadway at night for a real dose of honky-tonk revelry).
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Nearby Ryman is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a legendary honky-tonk bar in downtown Nashville.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honky-tonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honky-tonk. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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