bartender

1 of 2

noun

bar·​tend·​er ˈbär-ˌten-dər How to pronounce bartender (audio)
Synonyms of bartendernext
: a person who serves drinks at a bar
bartend
ˈbär-ˌtend How to pronounce bartender (audio)
intransitive verb

bartend

2 of 2

intransitive verb

bar·​tend ˈbär-ˌtend How to pronounce bartend (audio)
-ed/-ing/-s
: to act as a bartender especially professionally

Examples of bartender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
After labeling Benita a stage-five clinger, Morrey refocuses his attention on Sarah, a 33-year-old health-care manager and bartender. — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 Waiters and bartenders are ready with answers when patrons have questions about the referendum. — Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 Officers will closely watch bars and bartenders who serve underage patrons, and monitor overcrowding and parking-lot parties. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 McIntyre was impressed with Willis and hired him as a bartender. — Sam Kashner, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bartender

Word History

Etymology

Intransitive verb

back-formation from bartender

First Known Use

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Intransitive Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bartender was in 1825

Rhymes for bartender

See All Rhymes for bartender

Browse Nearby Words

bartend
bartender
bartendress
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bartender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bartender. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bartender

noun
bar·​tend·​er ˈbär-ˌten-dər How to pronounce bartender (audio)
: a person who serves alcoholic drinks at a bar
bartend
ˈbär-ˌtend How to pronounce bartender (audio)
verb

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