tavern

[ tav-ern ]

noun

1. a place where liquors are sold to be consumed on the premises.

   Synonyms: pub, bar

2. a public house for travelers and others; inn.

   Synonyms: hostelry

tavern

/ ˈtævən /

noun

1. a less common word for pub
2. a place licensed for the sale and consumption of alcoholic drink

Other Words From

• tavern·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tavern¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English taverne, from Old French, from Latin taberna “hut, inn, wine shop”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tavern¹

C13: from Old French taverne, from Latin taberna hut

Synonym Study

See hotel.

Example Sentences

We all are at a tavern on St. Marks Place in Manhattan.

From Los Angeles Times

At the end of Day One, after visiting two small taverns for “Pints with Perez” events, it was time for some family fun.

From Los Angeles Times

Here’s where to find great Italian beef, Chicago dogs, deep dish and tavern pies year-round.

From Los Angeles Times

“The closest thing I got was an Irish pub. But I realized what I was really after was a tavern that you see in fantasy tales — a Prancing Pony, or any run-of-the-mill Dungeons & Dragons tavern.”

From Los Angeles Times

“If restaurants, bars, taverns and nightclubs all have to close at 2 a.m., to have an exception for this one area, I don’t see how that promotes the public welfare,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bar
• hotel
• inn
• lodge
• lounge
• pub
• saloon
• watering hole