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

The menu reflects Huang’s experience growing up and cooking in Florida, combined with the Australian taverns that co-owners Ronnie Flynn and Dylan Hale frequented during childhood. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025

Sorry George Washington and Alexander Hamilton fans, but there’s a lot more going on in the taverns where much of it happens than those infectious Lin-Manuel Miranda tunes tell you. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025

Sam Gilbert, the late father of real estate titan Dan Gilbert, owned a beloved tavern in Detroit in the 1960s. —Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

The sports tavern, which will open early next year, channels the property’s athletic roots with elevated pub fare, big-screen televisions, and communal tables. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025

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