tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈta-vərn 

1

: an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises

2

: inn

Synonyms of tavern

• pub
• saloon
• bar

Examples of tavern in a Sentence

a seedy section of the city's waterfront that was rife with cheap taverns, tattoo parlors, and run-down flophouses

a colonial-era tavern that has been serving weary travelers for two and a half centuries

Recent Examples on the Web

Some chefs argue there’s a time and place for it, as in more casual settings like breakfast joints or taverns. — Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Known for his connections to Richard’s Bar, the old-school tavern where the city’s smoking ordinances never seem to be enforced, Dominic has reputed Outfit ties that go back many years. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

There has been plenty written about the tavern, including a 1992 Cincinnati Post story about two men who remember hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor on the radio while playing a dice game at City View, then known as Lagemann's. — Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026

Dig Into a Classic Burger at Redamak’s Redamak’s has been flipping its famous cheeseburgers in New Buffalo since 1946, when George and Mary Redamak turned a humble lakeside tavern into a summer staple. — Amy Bizzarri, Midwest Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taverne, from Anglo-French, from Latin taberna hut, shop

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tavern

• cavern

Kids Definition

tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈtav-ərn 

1

: an establishment where alcoholic liquors are sold to be drunk on the premises

2

: inn