tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈta-vərn How to pronounce tavern (audio)
Synonyms of tavernnext
1
: an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises
2
: inn

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tavern’s back door was not self-closing. Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026 By 1753, the lot held an inn and a tavern, but about two centuries after the garden was created, the area was slated to be torn down. Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 It’s now run by Bobby’s son Michael and his wife, Rose, who serve classic Milwaukee-style pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites in the original tavern space and expanded dining room, which was added in 1970. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Immigrant families brought Old World recipes and a fierce commitment to hospitality to Iowa’s capital, opening humble groceries, taverns and corner cafés that gradually evolved into full‑service dining rooms. Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tavern

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tavern was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tavern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tavern. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

tavern

noun
tav·​ern ˈtav-ərn How to pronounce tavern (audio)
1
: an establishment where alcoholic liquors are sold to be drunk on the premises
2
: inn

More from Merriam-Webster on tavern

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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