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

The rocky beach is lined with beach chairs that can be rented, and there are several traditional taverns and snack shacks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Some of these taverns — like the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston — have been lost to time. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Disgruntled colonists in taverns and town squares borrowed British melodies to support new lyrics expressive of a developing national consciousness. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Interestingly enough, coffeehouses could serve alcohol and taverns could serve coffee. — James Doubek, NPR, 3 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