# saloon

/səˈɫun/ (US) · /sɐlˈuːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/saloon
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. Old West bar

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a bar or tavern, especially one in the American Old West.

For teachers: a public house or tavern, specifically associated with the historical American frontier.

- The cowboy walked into the saloon and ordered a drink at the wooden bar.
- Historical accounts of the gold rush often depict the saloon as the primary social hub for miners and travellers alike.

### 2. car style

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a car with a separate space for luggage at the back.

For teachers: a car body style with a separate compartment for luggage, typically featuring four doors and a fixed roof.

- He decided to buy a comfortable saloon for his long daily commute to work.
- While hatchbacks are popular for their versatility, the classic saloon remains a preferred choice for executive transport due to its sleek profile.

Usage: This is the standard British term for what Americans call a 'sedan'.

### 3. boat cabin

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the main room on a boat or yacht where people sit and eat.

For teachers: the principal cabin area on a vessel, typically used for dining and socialising.

- We gathered in the yacht's saloon to have dinner while the rain fell outside.
- The interior designer maximised the limited space in the saloon by installing foldable tables and hidden storage compartments.

### 4. barbershop

noun · CEFR B2 · Dialect

a shop where you can get a haircut.

For teachers: a commercial establishment where a barber cuts and styles hair.

- He went to the local saloon to get his hair trimmed before the wedding.
- In many parts of India, the local hair saloon serves as a communal space for men to discuss politics and news.

Teaching tip: This usage is specific to Indian and Nigerian English; in the UK or US, it would be called a barbershop or salon.

## Examples

- The cowboy walked into the saloon and ordered a drink.
- The film features a classic scene where the hero confronts the villain in a dusty saloon at high noon.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.