tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈta-vərn 

1

: an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises

2

: inn

Synonyms of tavern

• pub
• saloon
• bar

Examples of tavern in a Sentence

a seedy section of the city's waterfront that was rife with cheap taverns, tattoo parlors, and run-down flophouses

a colonial-era tavern that has been serving weary travelers for two and a half centuries

Recent Examples on the Web

This summer brings The Pass by Charlie Palmer, a modern tavern with prime cuts, seafood and seasonal produce. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026

For an affordable meal, grab a cheap lunch at a konoba — a Croatian tavern — tucked away from the main tourist drag. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026

Walk the City Walls, spot Fort Lovrijenac (which doubled as the Red Keep), and grab a cheap lunch at a konoba — a Croatian tavern — tucked away from the main tourist drag. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

There’s also the promotional factor of having the game on—or even having a poster for it up at the local tavern. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taverne, from Anglo-French, from Latin taberna hut, shop

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tavern

• cavern

Kids Definition

tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈtav-ərn 

1

: an establishment where alcoholic liquors are sold to be drunk on the premises

2

: inn