bar
24 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bar, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A place that sells alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises, or the counter inside it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French barre ("beam, bar, barrier"), from Vulgar Latin barra, of uncertain further origin.
Full origin of bar →Frequently asked questions
What does “bar” mean?
The word “bar” means a place that sells alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises, or the counter inside it. In plain terms, most commonly a pub or drinks counter, a rigid rod-shaped object, or (as a verb) to block something; also the legal profession and a section of music.
How do you pronounce “bar”?
“Bar” is pronounced bah (/bɑɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bar” in a sentence?
Here is “bar” used in a sentence: “They met for a drink at the bar around the corner.”
What part of speech is “bar”?
Depending on how it is used, “bar” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bar” come from?
The word “bar” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French barre ("beam, bar, barrier"), from Vulgar Latin barra, of uncertain further origin.
Is “bar” a common word?
“Bar” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “bar” have?
“Bar” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a place that sells alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises, or the counter inside it.
What is the difference between a bar and a pub?
A pub, short for public house, is a traditional British establishment focused on a relaxed, social atmosphere, often serving food and real ale in a cosy setting. A bar is a broader, usually more modern term, centred on serving drinks, especially cocktails and spirits, and can feel livelier or more urban.
What is the difference between a bar and a nightclub?
A bar centres on drinks and conversation, with seating and a calmer pace. A nightclub adds dancing, loud music from a DJ, later opening hours and often an entry fee. Bars suit talking and relaxing, while clubs are built around music and dancing into the night.
Why is it called a 'bar'?
The name comes from the physical counter, the long barrier that separated staff, drinks and stock from customers. Over time the word for that fixture came to mean the whole room, and then the entire establishment. So today 'bar' can mean the counter you order at or the venue itself.
Does the word 'bar' have other meanings?
Yes, 'bar' is highly versatile. It can mean a solid rod of metal, a block of chocolate or soap, a unit of pressure, or a line dividing music into measures. It also means to block or forbid, and 'the Bar' refers to the legal profession of barristers.