speakeasy

noun speak·easy \ ˈspēk-ˌē-zē \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Definition of speakeasy

plural speakeasies

: a place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold; specifically : such a place during the period of prohibition in the U.S.

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Recent Examples of speakeasy from the Web

Nightcap, High End Just around the corner from Slate, where our wealthy visitor would have dined, is Buck and Breck, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar.

— New York Times, "A $1,000 Day in Berlin for $100," 29 May 2018
The Pepper Club itself is an obscure speakeasy in the desert where everyone can be accepted for themselves.

— gail mitchell, Billboard, "Judith Hill Invites Everyone to 'The Pepper Club': Video Premiere," 18 May 2018
Downstairs is Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar, a Disney-style speakeasy located in a tunnel that the story says was once used by rum runners.

— marjie lambert, miamiherald, "What's new at Disney Springs? Cabaret, virtual reality and a hidden speakeasy | Miami Herald," 9 May 2018
The first-floor speakeasy-style Vault is small and intimate, while the upstairs Rickenbacker Room boasts 5,000 square feet, original wood floors, exposed brick and beams and views of Kauffman Center and other downtown landmarks.

— anne brockhoff, kansascity, "Distill their hearts: Why craft liquor and weddings are the hottest new pairing | The Kansas City Star," 22 May 2018
Noble Experiment is a secret speakeasy inside the Neighborhood gastropub near the Gaslamp Quarter.

— brady macdonald, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Raised by Wolves brings hidden bar concept to suburban mall," 11 May 2018
And below it all, people interested in learning more about the Prohibition era or just looking to have fun, can visit a working speakeasy in the museum’s basement.

— regina garcia cano, The Seattle Times, "Mob Museum in Vegas lets visitors play police officer," 21 Apr. 2018
Tiny gems include donut bars and Viking bars, poke shops and coffee shops, bistros and briskets, kebabs, pho, burgers, pizza and speakeasies.

— cleveland.com, "40 of Cleveland's best small restaurants and bars: 2018 guide," 19 Apr. 2018
Raised by Wolves opened recently at Westfield UTC, a unique bar and boutique bottle shop, a walk back in time to the era of the speakeasy.

— brady macdonald, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Raised by Wolves brings hidden bar concept to suburban mall," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'speakeasy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of speakeasy

1889

in the meaning defined above

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SPEAKEASY Defined for English Language Learners

speakeasy

noun

Definition of speakeasy for English Language Learners

: a place where alcoholic drinks were sold illegally in the U.S. during the 1920s

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