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

Plenty of food and drink options will be available, and 16 pubs and taverns will cater to the 21-and-up crowd. —Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 10 Apr. 2026

Named for a ferry operator and tavern along the Schuylkill River, Grays Ferry straddles the river, just below University City. —Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

Taverna Platanos Lachania Under the shade of giant green platanos trees, tuck into Greek tavern classics like pastitsio and moussaka at Taverna Platanos Lachania, located on the island’s western tip. —Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026

The new Matthews location includes an osteria (or tavern), a cafe and an enoteca (wine bar), all slated to open later this week. —Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 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