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honky-tonk

noun

Definition of honky-tonknext
as in speakeasy

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of honky-tonk The couple started dating in 2021 after being set up on a blind date and ended up at a honky-tonk. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 May 2026 On Sunday, the lineup includes Tatiana Hargreaves, a rising-star in the bluegrass fiddling scene, with her band and special guest Michael Daves; the honky-tonk duo Caleb Lauder and Reeb Wllms with their band the Cali Cutups; and Pleasanton native and all-world strings player Tony Furtado. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026 The video was filmed at Fort Worth Stockyards staple Billy Bob’s Texas last fall, according to a spokesperson for the world’s largest honky-tonk. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026 Its melody unfolds in legato phrases that drift across the bar line; its harmonic language leans toward George Gershwin’s chromaticism more than Hank Williams’s honky-tonk. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honky-tonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honky-tonk
  1. speakeasy
  2. barroom
  3. saloon
  4. tavern
  5. pub
  6. dive
  7. clip joint
Noun
  • Elizabeth Short — played here and in seasons one and eight by Mena Suvari — to a speakeasy that might also be a portal to hell.
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026
  • After Constance’s party, Winter, Kai, Tate and Adelaide take Elizabeth to a speakeasy called Club Hell.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of speakeasy
Noun
  • Then, the scene went dark as a Wanted poster of Shaboozey was slapped down on the barroom’s table.
    — Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The barroom gives way to the Boom Boom room (for bands), which leads to the patio, all designed for mobs of undergrads who want cheap drinks and a place to hang.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of barroom
Noun
  • The stunning saloon offers up a number of bespoke details inspired by its pint-sized namesake, some of which were made from abalone shells.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Rather, the venues represent his affection for saloons and the people in them.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of saloon
Noun
  • To pay for his room and board, Field made the paintings, paying off his debt to Anna Brigham Dimock, who owned and operated the tavern, and Roderick Dimock, who ran the farm.
    — Kimberly Phillips, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The weeklong promotion highlights a wide range of cuisines, from steakhouses and seafood restaurants to taverns, bistros and international dining destinations.
    — Jane Imbody, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of tavern
Noun
  • Several local businesses have joined Gross’ rallying cry, including Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar, the staple Irish pub located just around the corner from AMC Kips Bay.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Mahony Group runs three pubs and five backpacker hostels around Australia, from Melbourne in the state of Victoria to Cairns in the far north.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • But that’s a minor trade-off to hear a great soprano dive into a great dramatic role.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
  • That included Mahomes’ touchdown run that was capped by a dive into the end zone.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of dive
Noun
  • While not all clip joints offer refreshments, a fair number find this is a popular extra in a competitive industry.
    — Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024
Definition of clip joint

Browse Nearby Words

honks
honky-tonk
honky-tonks
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Cite this Entry

“Honky-tonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honky-tonk. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on honky-tonk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about honky-tonk

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