public house

noun

Synonyms of public housenext
1
2
chiefly British : a licensed saloon or bar

Examples of public house in a Sentence

took lodging at a public house that had recently been completely renovated visited a public house in London that has been welcoming customers since the time of Charles Dickens
Recent Examples on the Web
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Listen to Live Music Cedar Mountain Outpost is a little bit of everything—deli, wine shop, public house, and live music venue, improbably set within a gas station. Belinda Luksic, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 This provoked what became known as the Aston Riot, with nearby public houses wrecked and violent brawls ensuing. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026 Cole’s, the city’s longest-running public house and alleged creator of the French dip sandwich, will shut its doors March 29. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 In fact, Maplewood is in the process of opening a public house in west suburban Glen Ellyn as its second location. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public house

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of public house was in 1658

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Public house.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20house. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

public house

noun
1
: inn, hotel
2
chiefly British : a licensed saloon or bar

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