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 Throughout their first five albums, the band has spun a web, not unlike the orb weavers of their native Virginia, that marries country, rock, honky-tonk grit and Appalachian soul with rowdy barroom energy. — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 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 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
  • What began as a direct message soon led to a first date at a speakeasy in downtown Austin, where the two spent three hours talking about everything from pizza to Game of Thrones.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • There are whispers of a speakeasy opening downstairs in the coming months, which gives the restaurant extra potential to become a go-to dinner spot that seamlessly transitions into a night out.
    — Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 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
  • This area hosts a stunning 40-foot bar, taking inspiration from an old-fashioned Southern saloon.
    — Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Prior to the Bilottis purchasing the building, John Seidel operated a saloon there until his liquor license was revoked by Blue Island’s City Council in 1918, according to the Blue Island Historical Society.
    — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of saloon
Noun
  • At first, young Ursula seemed destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps, taking a job in the same tavern.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The lore says the building operated as a brothel in its early years, with a tavern then as now on the ground floor.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of tavern
Noun
  • Becks Place opened three years ago, replacing an Irish pub called McGuire’s Tavern.
    — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • At the pub, Childress and I spoke briefly about ideas of reconciliation and national reckoning, trying to parse where our own actions fit within a larger whole.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • At a lively Halloween party at Kito’s Kave, a local dive, a patron poked fun at the surge of interest by dressing up as an FBI agent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Bayley ran full speed through the middle ropes and hit a suicide dive onto Valkyria, who caught Bayley.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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