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

In the eight new episodes, Daphne and Ian will work on pivotal rooms for their businesses including a honeymoon suite in the dove tower, a tea salon, a dungeon tavern and a library, in addition to restoring the chateau’s gatehouse as a residence for Daphne’s granny. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2025

The elaborate display also includes a skating rink with moving figurines, a tavern, a Dairy Queen and a dress shop with mannequins in the window. —Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

There’s a bakery, a couple of restaurants and taverns, and a number of churches. —Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025

While colleagues in the industry can't undo the tragedy, there are ways people can help, the West Allis tavern said in its Facebook post. —Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 13 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