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
  • Since receiving the first liquor license in town after Prohibition in 1933, the Cloverleaf has transformed from a bake shop to a men’s only pub to a 200-seat, indoor-outdoor, family-friendly bar with the best craft beer selection in the region.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Roughly 930 pubs closed in London between 2004 and 2024, and hundreds of hospitality businesses, including cafés and restaurants, closed near the end of 2025.
    — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • An elegant conservatory, a beloved aquarium known for its shimmering jade green tiles reminiscent of an underwater tavern, and the small but excellent Dossin Great Lakes Museum are a few of the treasures found here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • Drinks and subpar nachos will be shared beneath the musty rafters of the tavern where the surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon once imbibed.
    — Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 26 July 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
  • Visitors ages 21 and older can also enjoy libations from the donation bar.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Each apartment opens to a private terrace with alfresco dining and lounging areas, a bar/café, and an ocean-facing infinity pool.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of bar
Noun
  • That includes after a mass shooting at the 2024 Super Bowl celebration rally, multiple shootings at and around nightclubs and the recent shootings along Interstate 70 last month.
    — Laura Bauer July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Once better known for railway platforms and nightclubs than research labs, the district has evolved into one of Europe's densest concentrations of AI talent, anchored by Google and Google DeepMind, with Anthropic and OpenAI preparing to join them.
    — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of nightclub

Browse Nearby Words

watering down
watering hole
watering holes
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Cite this Entry

“Watering hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watering%20hole. Accessed 6 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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