open bar

noun

: a bar (as at a wedding reception) at which drinks are served free compare cash bar

Examples of open bar in a Sentence

They had a buffet and an open bar at the reception.
Recent Examples on the Web That could include a panel discussion accompanied by an open bar, catered lunches while someone presents on a topic not directly related to work, or bringing in guest speakers for conversations where employees can also mingle, Rowe says. Trey Williams, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Enjoy premium open bar featuring cocktails made with Bullock's recipes, live music and fine jewelry collection. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2024 General admission tickets cost $35, while VIP tickets — which include an open bar and a special entrance and separate bathrooms — cost $99 per person. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Norwegian Cruise Line also offers the Free at Sea program which includes complimentary add-ons such as unlimited open bar, specialty dining credits, free Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits, free third and fourth guests in a stateroom, and complimentary airfare for the second traveler on select cruises. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Super Bowl 2024 ticket prices On Location has official Super Bowl tickets that are guaranteed by the NFL and included as part of packages with options like open bars, tailgate food and pregame parties. The Arizona Republic, 12 Jan. 2024 Silver Party Tickets grant access to an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, dancing in front of a live DJ, and a midnight champagne toast of Dom Pérignon. Upgrade to a Platinum Party Ticket to add on a buffet dinner complete with sushi, caviar, lobster, pasta, and a decadent dessert display. Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Dec. 2023 Exclusive Skybox packages at the 16th hole cost $70,000, according to the event’s website, and include 16 daily credentials, complimentary breakfast and lunch and an open bar. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Silent and live auctions, open bar, dinner, live music and dancing. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open bar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open bar was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near open bar

Cite this Entry

“Open bar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20bar. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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