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

Depending on the tavern, the food could vary from moldy cheese, soup and corn cakes to more luxurious options. — Ava Berger, NPR, 28 June 2026

Access was also easily obtained through the many taverns that dotted towns across the colonies, where the people gathered to read and hear the latest news, and, importantly, to participate in the political opposition to the crown that grew with each passing year. — Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026

Head to Bayzo’s Pub on the lower level of The Mansion for an English tavern vibe, family-friendly pub fare, and live music some nights during the summer season. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Big Spring Tavern After visiting The Big Spring in Palms Book State Park, make a beeline to the neighboring, eponymously named tavern for lunch or dinner. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 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