tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈta-vərn 

1

: an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises

2

: inn

Synonyms of tavern

• pub
• saloon
• bar

Examples of tavern in a Sentence

a seedy section of the city's waterfront that was rife with cheap taverns, tattoo parlors, and run-down flophouses

a colonial-era tavern that has been serving weary travelers for two and a half centuries

Recent Examples on the Web

Run by Irish sisters, The Dearborn is not far from Grant Park and features traditional American tavern eats. —Aimee Long, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026

The offerings there lean British tavern style, with items like a shatteringly crisp fish and chips, Irish soda bread, and curry on the lunch menu, while breakfast has those farm-fresh eggs in various preparations, including a sandwich with a slice of Taylor Ham, a New Jersey specialty. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026

The whole pie is cut into small squares or rectangles, known as a party or tavern cut. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

The observation and dining cars were designed to resemble a hotel tavern-lounge, inviting passengers to relax and enjoy complimentary coffee and orange juice, or alcoholic beverages for purchase. —Literary Hub, 11 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taverne, from Anglo-French, from Latin taberna hut, shop

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tavern

• cavern

Kids Definition

tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈtav-ərn 

1

: an establishment where alcoholic liquors are sold to be drunk on the premises

2

: inn