speakeasy

[ speek-ee-zee ]

noun

, plural speak·eas·ies.

1. a saloon or nightclub selling alcoholic beverages illegally, especially during Prohibition.

speakeasy

/ ˈspiːkˌiːzɪ /

noun

1. a place where alcoholic drink was sold illicitly during Prohibition

Word History and Origins

Origin of speakeasy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; speak + easy

Word History and Origins

Origin of speakeasy¹

C19: from speak + easy (in the sense: gently, quietly)

Example Sentences

Curated with the help of Google’s generative AI chatbot and model known as Gemini, users then will see results that may include speakeasies or live music.

From Los Angeles Times

With my belly full and the day still young, I set out to unearth some of the festival’s secret speakeasies.

From Los Angeles Times

A trickle of brass melodies greeted her from a nearby speakeasy as Conjurors played music for a joyous crowd, and her nose filled with the glorious scent of fae sweets.

From Literature

From her own immigrant experience to an actual night in a New York speakeasy, Celine Song explains how real life shaped her debut feature, starring Greta Lee.

From Los Angeles Times

“Inspired by the best of speakeasy culture in 1920s Seattle,” according to its website, Founders Club is accessed, yes, through a swing-out section of a bookcase in the hotel’s lobby.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bar
• bistro
• cabaret
• disco
• discotheque
• restaurant
• saloon
• tavern
• watering hole