watering hole

noun

1

: water hole sense 1

2

: a place where people gather socially

especially : watering place sense 3

Synonyms

• bar
• barroom
• café
• cafe
• cantina [Southwest]
• dramshop
• gin mill
• grogshop [chiefly British]
• pub
• public house [chiefly British]
• saloon
• taproom
• tavern
• watering place

Examples of watering hole in a Sentence

supposedly, that Broadway hangout was the favorite watering hole for 1940s celebrities

Recent Examples on the Web

These many watering holes are reflective of the Lone Star state's varied geographic regions, from bald cypress swamps to mountainous desert lakes. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025

Reiner, who is known for founding watering holes no less iconic than Clover Club, Milady’s and Leyenda, has here put together a menu anchored by colorful creations evoking the season, garnished with ornaments and candy canes. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The little dog has quickly become a favorite among the watering hole's regulars, who make sure Rex never goes long without a belly rub. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025

The Central Ninth watering hole recently celebrated its eighth anniversary. —Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1