honky-tonk

noun

Definition of honky-tonknext
as in speakeasy

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of honky-tonk Its melody unfolds in legato phrases that drift across the bar line; its harmonic language leans toward George Gershwin’s chromaticism more than Hank Williams’s honky-tonk. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Throughout their first five albums, the band has spun a web, not unlike the orb weavers of their native Virginia, that marries country, rock, honky-tonk grit and Appalachian soul with rowdy barroom energy. — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 On Sunday, the lineup includes Tatiana Hargreaves, a rising-star in the bluegrass fiddling scene, with her band and special guest Michael Daves; the honky-tonk duo Caleb Lauder and Reeb Wllms with their band the Cali Cutups; and Pleasanton native and all-world strings player Tony Furtado. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026 While country fans crossed the pedestrian bridge to see Cody Johnson and Keith Urban headline Nissan Stadium, Cage the Elephant, Dexter and the Moonrocks, Edgehill, Mod Sun, and New Translations were playing over three stages at Jon Bon Jovi’s Nashville honky-tonk, JBJ’s. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for honky-tonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honky-tonk
  1. speakeasy
  2. barroom
  3. saloon
  4. tavern
  5. pub
  6. dive
  7. clip joint
Noun
  • Rather than leaning into the speakeasy trend, the Upper Room provides an accessible gathering place where quality drinks meet a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Swifties believe this dark speakeasy on East Seventh Street is that bar.
    — Lily Boyce, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of speakeasy
Noun
  • Throughout their first five albums, the band has spun a web, not unlike the orb weavers of their native Virginia, that marries country, rock, honky-tonk grit and Appalachian soul with rowdy barroom energy.
    — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • This fine-dining restaurant puts as much care into its barroom burger as its seven-course tasting menu, letting its open hearth work magic on the double-decker beauty.
    — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 6 May 2026
Definition of barroom
Noun
  • Owners can opt for a semi-enclosed galley, which adds a bit of space from the main saloon, or can fully enclose the galley for more separation.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
  • Old Ebbitt Grill Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest saloon (more like an elevated bistro today), just steps from the White House.
    — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of saloon
Noun
  • The rocky beach is lined with beach chairs that can be rented, and there are several traditional taverns and snack shacks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • Disgruntled colonists in taverns and town squares borrowed British melodies to support new lyrics expressive of a developing national consciousness.
    — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of tavern
Noun
  • The Cotswolds England's golden countryside is at its most inviting in autumn, when the pubs light their fires and the weather is right for layering without summer's heat or winter's bite.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • What Will Mester is working with at the Wren, his pub in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood, is both less grand and more impressive.
    — Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 2 July 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • Payton talks all the time about not putting quarterbacks on the high dive, but Nix has spent his first two seasons in the league working mostly from the 10-meter platform.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
  • According to Lindsley, one diver suffered a concussion underwater after a dive.
    — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of dive
Noun
  • While not all clip joints offer refreshments, a fair number find this is a popular extra in a competitive industry.
    — Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024
Definition of clip joint

Browse Nearby Words

honks
honky-tonk
honky-tonks
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Cite this Entry

“Honky-tonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honky-tonk. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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