open bar

noun

: a bar (as at a wedding reception) at which drinks are served free compare cash bar

Examples of open bar in a Sentence

They had a buffet and an open bar at the reception.
Recent Examples on the Web The event starts at 6 p.m. with an hour-long open bar before the dinner and ceremony begins at 7. Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2024 This week may be about advertising and open bars, but stars are ultimately what inspire people to wait in line for an hour in the shadow of the FDR. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for open bar 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open bar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open bar was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near open bar

Cite this Entry

“Open bar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20bar. Accessed 2 Jun. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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