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

Anecdotal evidence indicates the World Cup has been a boon for Arlington’s hospitality industry, with some restaurateurs and tavern owners saying revenue has exceeded their expectations. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

The restaurant is named after his great-grandmother’s Depression-era restaurant, once located not far from the tavern’s present location—and the food is a nod to that history. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

At present, Garcia is making Neopolitan, New York, Detroit, New Haven, Chicago tavern, Chicago deep dish and Sicilian pizzas. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

The smaller, working-class towns that dot the southeast part of the county are filled with the types of pubs and taverns that give a place character. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 6 July 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