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.
To loosen up the atmosphere, Amazon had open bars on all levels of the Beacon Theatre during its presentation. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026 The pavilion has organized a series of performers for this week, and had an open bar upstairs near a flowering tree. ABC News, 5 May 2026 The 21-and-older event will include an open bar, food, music, DJ listening rooms, art installations and more. La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 Guests could treat themselves to a complimentary Grey Goose espresso martini from multiple open bars. Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open bar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20bar. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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