noun
B1
Intermediate
barman
BAH-muhn
Barman (noun) means a man who serves drinks behind the counter of a pub or bar. Example: “The barman mixed the cocktail without even glancing at the recipe.”
noun
1
A man who serves drinks behind the counter of a pub or bar.
"The barman mixed the cocktail without even glancing at the recipe."
"He asked the barman for a pint of the local ale."
"NOT so long ago there was a beer commercial on British TV in which two pointy-headed aliens order a pint in a rural pub. “Up from London, are we?” the barman asks politely."
— Kenan Malik, London Is Special, but Not That Special (2013)
How to use barman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA man whose job is serving drinks in a pub or bar.
When to use it
Chiefly British; American English tends to use "bartender" regardless of gender.
UK vs US
UK: barman/barmaid are common; US: bartender is standard for both.
Common pairings
call the barman over
a busy barman
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Word forms
- Plural
- barmen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ mixed the cocktail without even glancing at the recipe.
Etymology
From "bar" plus "-man" — a man who works at a bar.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for barman
See all rhymes for barman →Frequently asked questions
What does “barman” mean?
The word “barman” means a man who serves drinks behind the counter of a pub or bar. In plain terms, a man whose job is serving drinks in a pub or bar.
How do you pronounce “barman”?
“Barman” is pronounced BAH-muhn (/ˈbɑɹmæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “barman” in a sentence?
Here is “barman” used in a sentence: “The barman mixed the cocktail without even glancing at the recipe.”
What part of speech is “barman”?
“Barman” is a noun.
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