speakeasy

noun speak·easy \ ˈspēk-ˌē-zē \

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

The hard part is not obtaining a membership, which can be purchased for $20 at the speakeasy-style peephole at the door.

— michael klein, Philly.com, "Palizzi Social Club makes Bon Appetit list of best new restaurants," 16 Aug. 2017
Before being hired by the city, Greco Ryan worked as projects director for V Group Concepts, which operates hospitality and entertainment venues downtown, including the speakeasy Hanson’s Shoe Repair, Gitto’s Pizza and SideBar Orlando.

— jeff weiner, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando hires 'night manager' to oversee nightlife scene," 28 July 2017
And the Courier-Journal has not been able to reach the speakeasy's owners, James Stirling Welch and Maud Cabot Welch.

— bailey loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville speakeasy tells New Albany restaurant to change its name," 24 July 2017
The underground bar is named for Charles Kenneth Ruiz, the late grandfather of speakeasy proprietor Rob Ruiz.

— pam kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Speakeasy reclaims its secret space in Carlsbad," 7 July 2017
The former speakeasy played a distinct role in Kansas City history, thriving as far back as 1888.

— kara lewis, kansascity, "These 5 Kansas City brunches go beyond scrambled eggs," 3 July 2017
There is, for example, a scene set in a speakeasy that allowed Doss to come up with music reflecting the city’s jazz scene.

— robert w. butler, kansascity.com, "An affair, a kidnapping, a clothing empire: Plenty of threads for ‘Nelly Don’ musical," 30 June 2017
Footage of illegal drinking in speakeasies during the 1920s and rare home movies of Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression are among the scenes America in Color has refreshed using cutting-edge digital technology.

— lorena blas, USA TODAY, "July 4th staycation? Here's your TV viewing guide," 30 June 2017
The celebration brought thousands of visitors, and the evening speakeasies had dozens of people dressed in 1920’s attire.

— star-telegram, "Parker County Commissioners recognize Parker County Historical Commission winning 2016 Distinguished Service Award," 27 June 2017

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

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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