honky-tonk

1 of 2

noun

hon·​ky-tonk ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋk 

ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk

1

: a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall

especially : one that features country music

2

: a district marked by places of cheap entertainment

3

: country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune

honky-tonker

ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋ-kər 

ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋ-

noun

honky-tonk

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano

2

: marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks

Examples of honky-tonk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The couple started dating in 2021 after being set up on a blind date and ended up at a honky-tonk. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 May 2026

During these months, the greenery is at its peak, live music pours out of honky-tonks, and there are plenty of places to sit outside on a patio with a great meal and a tasty glass of Tennessee whiskey. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026

Adjective

There are also two honky-tonk hopefuls from Nashville. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

Fort Worth knows a thing or two about live music, Western heritage and a good honky-tonk. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for honky-tonk

• bonk
• bronk
• cronk
• honk
• tonk