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

Visit historic colonial tavern for intimate performance, hear Katrina Van Tassel tell her version on the legendary tale. — Jamie Chapman, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026

The Deep Groove Milwaukee A former general store and Schlitz tavern (among other things), this 1875 building has been collecting stories for more than a century. — Midwest Living, 10 Nov. 2026

At first, young Ursula seemed destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps, taking a job in the same tavern. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026

The lore says the building operated as a brothel in its early years, with a tavern then as now on the ground floor. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 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