What does "tavern" mean?

1. (a bar or pub) a place where you can buy alcoholic drinks and sometimes meals. 2. (historical inn) an old-fashioned building where travellers could drink and stay for the night.

How do you use "tavern"?

In modern English, 'inn' or 'hotel' is preferred for places that provide lodging.

tavern

US //ˈtævɝn// UK //tˈævən// tav·ern

1 a bar or pub (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a place where you can buy alcoholic drinks and sometimes meals.

an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises, often serving food in a rustic or traditional setting.

Example

We stopped at a small tavern by the road for a drink and some lunch.

Example

The village tavern served as the primary social hub for the local community, offering a warm atmosphere and locally brewed ales.
- pub
- inn
- bar
- alehouse
2 historical inn (n.)
C1 Advanced Archaic

an old-fashioned building where travellers could drink and stay for the night.

a historical establishment providing both alcoholic refreshment and overnight accommodation for travellers.

Example

The old tavern had small rooms upstairs for people travelling by horse.

Example

In the eighteenth century, the tavern was an essential stop for the mail coach, providing weary passengers with a hot meal and a bed.

Usage

In modern English, 'inn' or 'hotel' is preferred for places that provide lodging.
- inn
- hostelry

Origin

From Middle English taverne, from Old French taverne (“wine shop”), from Latin taberna (“inn”). Doublet of taberna and taverna.