A2nouninformal1K

Bar

UK /["/bɑː(r)/"]/US /["/bɑːr/"]/

Definition

a place where you can buy and drink alcoholic and other drinks

In simple words: A place where people go to drink and socialize.

Examples

  • We went to the bar after work to relax.
  • The bar was crowded with people enjoying the live music.
  • I ordered a drink at the bar.
  • He tried to lift the heavy bar in the gym.
  • The metal bar was too thick to bend.
  • She placed a bar of chocolate on the table.
  • The lawyer worked hard to raise the bar for legal standards.
  • They held the concert in a local bar last weekend.

Usage notes

Used in casual conversations. Not typically used in formal writing. Can refer to types of establishments like 'sports bar' or 'wine bar'.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'bar' as a 'space for socializing' – imagine a crowd enjoying drinks.

Collocations

  • licensed
  • crowded
  • open
  • enter
  • frequent
  • go to
  • food
  • menu
  • snacks
  • in a/​the bar
  • at a/​the bar
  • licensed
  • crowded
  • open
  • enter
  • frequent
  • go to
  • food
  • menu
  • snacks
  • in a/​the bar
  • at a/​the bar
  • breakfast
  • be propping up
  • at the bar
  • behind the bar
  • hum
  • play
  • sing
  • in a/​the bar
  • two, four, etc. beats to the bar

Synonyms

  • pub
  • tavern
  • saloon
  • lounge
  • watering hole

Antonyms

  • home
  • solitude
  • desert

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'bar' with 'bare' in pronunciation.
  • Using 'bar' to refer to a full meal instead of just drinks.
  • Not recognizing 'bar' can also mean an actual physical piece of metal.