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

The event, which cost $65 per person, includes a buffet, open bar, NCAA regional championship games on big screens, silent auction, games and raffles. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

There was an open bar with two signature drinks – The Bubbly Rose, which featured blackberry, seltzer and vodka, and a red sangria – hors d'oeuvres and background music from a jazz trio made up of members of the Bluewater Kings Band, who would play the reception. —Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026

The social featured an open bar, buffet-style dinner and premium cigars. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026

Norwegian's Free at Sea package includes benefits like an open bar, specialty dining, excursion credits, and complimentary airfare for a second guest. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for open bar

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• handlebar