barrelhouse

[ bar-uhl-hous ]

noun

, plural bar·rel·hous·es [bar, -, uh, l-hou-ziz]

1. a cheap saloon, especially one in New Orleans in the early part of the 20th century: so called from the racks of liquor barrels originally placed along the walls.
2. a vigorous style of jazz originating in the barrelhouses of New Orleans in the early part of the 20th century.

barrelhouse

/ ˈbærəlˌhaʊs /

noun

1. a cheap and disreputable drinking establishment
2. 1. a vigorous and unpolished style of jazz for piano, originating in the barrelhouses of New Orleans
   2. ( as modifier )

      barrelhouse blues

Word History and Origins

Origin of barrelhouse¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; barrel + house

Example Sentences

The “whiskey fungus” has been been a nuisance around liquor facilities for centuries, but the size and scope of the new barrelhouse complexes means much more ethanol is being released in a concentrated area.

From Seattle Times

Ms. Ferry said that since Jack Daniel’s built a barrelhouse next to her house in December, whiskey fungus had been accumulating on the roof of her home and car and on trees on her property.

From New York Times

“We’re always busy, baby, not this time,” Olsen sings over rippling barrelhouse piano in “Big Time,” “Lay in the tall grass, talking with your eyes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Across the record, Batiste also raps, stomps like a preacher and wails like a barrelhouse bluesman.

From Los Angeles Times

Taking its title from a saying attributed to Martin Luther, the concerto deconstructs and reassembles impulses from funk, gospel and barrelhouse.

From Seattle Times