bartender

American  

[bahr-ten-der] / ˈbɑrˌtɛn dər /

noun

1. a person who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar.

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bartender British  

/ ˈbɑːˌtɛndə /

noun

1. a person who serves in a bar

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Etymology

Origin of bartender

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; bar ¹ + tender ³

Explanation

A bartender is a person who mixes, pours, and serves drinks from behind a bar. The bartender at a bar mitzvah may spend hours putting little paper umbrellas in Shirley Temples for the young guests. If you work as a bartender, you need to know how to mix cocktails, pour wine and beer, and keep the bar tidy. Most bartenders don't make a high hourly wage, but depend on tips to make a good living. Many events, like wedding receptions and big parties, include a bartender. The word itself dates from the early 19th century, from bar, which comes from the barrier or counter over which drinks are served, and tender, or "seller."

Example Sentences

The brand new, 65-person cocktail bar is the brainchild of celebrated bartender Jeff Bell, known for his work at the pioneering Please Don’t Tell, or PDT, in New York’s East Village.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

And there’s also a bit of the robot bartender from the futuristic world of “The Fifth Element” — “you want some more?” he says, making an impression.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Andrew Hall, 24, works as a bartender and waiter at a restaurant in Guildford, Surrey, and says he struggles to make ends meet each month.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

The bartender even poured me a glass of ice water to go with my $8 beer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

“Heidi,” her freckled bartender friend says, “Mitch is kind of pissed.”

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle