tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈta-vərn 

1

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

2

: inn

Synonyms

• pub
• saloon
• cafe
• bar
• nightclub

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

Marijuana lounges would be treated similarly to a tavern or a nightclub under city code. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025

Walk in at Gus’ Sip & Dip (a BA Best New Bar of 2025) for no-fuss classic cocktails and a Wagyu beef dip in a tavern setting, or delight in Indian fine dining at Indienne (a Best New Restaurant of 2023). —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

Evenings, however, bring schnitzel at a traditional Beisl tavern or wine in a leafy heuriger on the city’s edge. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

All three of the Disney hotels have extra space that could serve as home to a pirate’s tavern. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 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