bar
bah
Bar (noun) means a place that sells alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises, or the counter inside it. Example: “The bar was so noisy that we could hardly hear each other.”
noun
1
A place that sells alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises, or the counter inside it.
"The bar was so noisy that we could hardly hear each other."
"They met for a drink at the bar around the corner."
"He leaned against the bar and ordered two beers."
2
A rigid piece of metal, wood, or similar material, much longer than it is wide.
"A steel bar across the window stops anyone climbing in."
"Gymnasts swing from a high bar during the competition."
"She used an iron bar to pry the crate open."
3
A block-shaped piece of a solid substance, especially soap or chocolate.
"I keep a bar of soap beside the kitchen sink."
"She grated half a bar of dark chocolate over the cake."
"He unwrapped a bar of chocolate and broke off a piece."
4
Something that blocks or prevents progress; an obstacle.
"Shyness should not be a bar to making new friends."
"The high cost of travel proved a serious bar to many visitors."
"A lack of qualifications was the only bar to her promotion."
5
The legal profession, or the examination lawyers must pass to practise.
"He studied for years before passing the bar and opening his own practice."
"Many young lawyers join the bar straight after finishing their law degree."
"She was called to the bar after years of studying law."
6
One of the sections a piece of music is divided into by vertical lines on the staff.
"Count four beats in each bar and keep the tempo steady."
"The pianist stumbled in the third bar but carried on playing."
"The song's chorus starts on the ninth bar."
verb
1
To prevent someone from doing something, or to block a passage.
"Heavy snow barred the mountain pass for most of the week."
"He was barred from entering the club after the incident."
"A fallen tree barred the road ahead."
How to use bar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost 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.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the drinking establishment sense with "bar" meaning "except" (as in "everyone bar Tom came").
Common pairings
raise the bar
behind bars
bar chart
call to the bar
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Word forms
- Plural
- bars
- Third person singular
- bars
- Past tense
- barred
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ was so noisy that we could hardly hear each other.
Etymology
From Old French barre ("beam, bar, barrier"), from Vulgar Latin barra, of uncertain further origin.
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
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