watering hole

noun

Definition of watering holenext
as in pub
a place of business where alcoholic beverages are sold to be consumed on the premises supposedly, that Broadway hangout was the favorite watering hole for 1940s celebrities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 watering hole Some Boston watering holes reportedly ran out of beer when Scottish fans descended on the city. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 July 2026 Even with its reputation as a watering hole for Hollywood’s biggest names, Dan Tana refused to pander to celebrities. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 On Sunday, Irvin was back in Philly and wearing his jersey in a local watering hole with not a care in the world that fans booed him. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 Early in the season, when the Phillies were off to a cold start, Tom McCormack, who runs the local C&M Sporting Goods store, was at a local watering hole called Barnaby’s when someone walked by wearing a McGonigle Tigers shirt. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for watering hole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watering hole
  1. pub
  2. tavern
  3. saloon
  4. bar
  5. nightclub
Noun
  • Happy Donuts closed in 2022 after 20 years, while the Elder Tree pub closed in 2024 after a dozen years.
    — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Royal Oak pub, a true local favorite, is a four-minute walk down the lane.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • The Lantern tavern threw the first iteration of the block party in 2016 as a celebration for its 50th anniversary.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Customers are family as well, some even choosing the tavern as their final resting place.
    — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of tavern
Noun
  • The saloon underwent construction over subsequent decades as the area grew; the joint has been called The Buffalo Rose since 1981.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 31 July 2026
  • The area was once home to Frontier City and Stagecoach Stop, roadside attractions that had a bank, blacksmith, general store, jailhouse, livery stable and saloon, all popular establishments featured in popular Western films.
    — JANELLE D. JAMES, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of saloon
Noun
  • Native to southeast Asia, the beetle has infested every continent bar Antarctica, according to a study published in the Journal of Pest Science in June, stowing away in wood products, live plants and packaging materials.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • City Hall bars saw an increase in spending of 166%, while watering holes in the greater downtown area saw an 86% spike.
    — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of bar
Noun
  • Shimmy first made a name for himself with the gritty 2020 EP Zombie Land, which introduced him as a street-centric rapper whose music made more sense rattling from the trunk of a car than playing in a nightclub.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • After the birth of her children, and frustrated with the local nightclub scene, she was drawn to musical theater, mentored by the Free Street Theater’s founder, Patrick Henry.
    — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of nightclub

Browse Nearby Words

watering down
watering hole
watering holes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watering hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watering%20hole. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on watering hole

Nglish: Translation of watering hole for Spanish Speakers

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