tavern

noun

tav·​ern ˈta-vərn How to pronounce tavern (audio)
1
: an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises
2
: inn

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
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.
Alongside that stretch of Grand Avenue, a bartender at a tavern said his business has been down 30% to 50% since October and was slumping during the first phase. Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 Pick up picnic supplies at the on-site general store or dine at the casual tavern or more ambitious restaurant, YOVA, which features dishes like salmon and caviar and boar chops, complimented by an impressive wine list. Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 30 Jan. 2025 The historic Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street is a monument to the gay rights movement, which was galvanized by a 1969 rebellion there, sparked by a police raid of the tavern, largely led by trans people. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Miles Teller and Zac Efron were seen hanging out in the back of the tavern, socializing and taking photos with Barkley amid his circle. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tavern

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tavern was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tavern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tavern. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tavern

noun
tav·​ern ˈtav-ərn How to pronounce tavern (audio)
1
: an establishment where alcoholic liquors are sold to be drunk on the premises
2
: inn

More from Merriam-Webster on tavern

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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