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 Early in the season, when the Phillies were off to a cold start, Tom McCormack, who runs the local C&M Sporting Goods store, was at a local watering hole called Barnaby’s when someone walked by wearing a McGonigle Tigers shirt. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 6 July 2026 The Southern recipes served on splattered enamel plates and the vast outdoor seating formed from a hodgepodge of iron benches and picnic tables create a unique local watering hole for the Durham and Duke communities, and beyond. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 What's your favorite watering hole near the theater, and what should people drink? — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The bar at the Chequit, which had been one of the few local watering holes left on the island, closed during the off-season for the first time in memory. — Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 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
  • The glossy domed bun, truffle aioli and wagyu beef helped elevate the burger above standard pub fare.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 July 2026
  • But while the team’s exploits on the field could not match the success of its supporters, pubs in England — some of which are struggling financially — have been boosted by the boon in beer sales from the team’s run to the World Cup semifinals.
    — Katrina Tudlong, NBC news, 15 July 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • 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
Definition of tavern
Noun
  • Chinese mega-corps BYD is making huge inroads in European markets with its technically accomplished saloons and SUVs.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
  • By 1884, a map of the Central Business District shows hotels, saloons, dry goods shops, cigar manufacturers, and stores selling everything from shoes, to jewelry and even a winemaker.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of saloon
Noun
  • There’s more of a bar atmosphere during late nights, but the food is amazing.
    — Evan Moore July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • Food and drink One of the perks of staying at The Francis is easy access to its on-site gem of a restaurant and creative cocktail bar, The Wayside Tavern.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
Definition of bar
Noun
  • The seminal former record label, based in Manchester, launched the likes of band Joy Division and ran the famous Haçienda nightclub, on the site of which stand apartments today.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Why the Excelsior Club mattered in Charlotte Founded in 1944 by Jimmie and Minnie McKee, the Excelsior Club was Charlotte’s first nightclub exclusively for the Black community.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on watering hole

Nglish: Translation of watering hole for Spanish Speakers

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