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watering hole

noun

Definition of watering holenext
as in pub
a place of business where alcoholic beverages are sold to be consumed on the premises supposedly, that Broadway hangout was the favorite watering hole for 1940s celebrities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of watering hole People wear flannel and denim while making out in the storage room of the local watering hole. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 City Hall bars saw an increase in spending of 166%, while watering holes in the greater downtown area saw an 86% spike. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Marvel’s Wolverine presents Hu’s Tyger Tiger as the proprietor of the Princess Bar, Logan’s preferred watering hole in the Lowtown district of Madripoor. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 Additionally, Morgan Lindholm will return to expand on her role as Maddie, the bartender at the local watering hole, Bullet ’N Barrel, and Cal’s (Logan Marshall-Green) estranged daughter. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watering hole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watering hole
  1. pub
  2. tavern
  3. saloon
  4. bar
  5. nightclub
Noun
  • Last month, San Francisco rock band Train threw a block party outside Mad Dog in the Fog to celebrate the group's new album which is named after the English pub.
    — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The economy During his first weeks as prime minister, Burnham announced a raft of policies targeting Britain’s economic woes, including the reduction of bus fares in England and cuts to business rates bills for pubs and music venues.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • The restaurant carries the fantasy theme into its food and atmosphere, designed to feel like a tavern straight out of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
    — Beret Leone, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Downstairs, there’s a cozy tavern and riverside restaurant overlooking Rondout Creek.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of tavern
Noun
  • The stunning saloon offers up a number of bespoke details inspired by its pint-sized namesake, some of which were made from abalone shells.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Rather, the venues represent his affection for saloons and the people in them.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of saloon
Noun
  • The rooftop bar, 1838, actually takes its name from its founding year.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The two of them spent the rest of the night pressed together in the crowded bar, shouting at each other to be heard over the sound of drunk youth.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of bar
Noun
  • Scott first opened Green Lady Lounge in 2013, replacing nightclub Balanca’s.
    — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
  • An impersonator may have tricked a Las Vegas nightclub last year, but those at the park Tuesday appeared convinced of their brush with Bieber.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of nightclub

Browse Nearby Words

watering down
watering hole
watering holes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watering hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watering%20hole. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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