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

Inside, guests are greeted by the cozy tavern, a cocktail of rustic Adirondack style and modern trappings—the tables adorned in their nightly best, expectantly awaiting patrons. —Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026

Sara is an actress but also a bartender at a tavern across the street from a major studio. —Lauren Bans, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026

Among them is a pizza tavern in Northern Kentucky. —Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Dec. 2025

The reel revealed the couple also had their very own winter village set up, complete with a skating rink that has moving figurines, a tavern, a Dairy Queen and a dress shop with mannequins in the window. —Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025

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