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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For mothers and other attendees, an open bar offers a variety of cocktails, mocktails, beers, and wines. Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Per the event’s website, there was an open bar, but event organizers began asking other organizers to bring alcohol. Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 5 May 2025 And few things scream excess more than a train with hot showers, air conditioning and an open bar crawling past settlements where many people live in shacks without running water or electricity. Lee-Ann Olwage, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 The evening will feature entertainment, an open bar, dinner and both live and silent auctions. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open bar

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Open bar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20bar. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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