rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryalehouseBeer-serving tavern
noun

alehouse

AYL-house/ˈeɪlhaʊs/

A tavern or pub where beer is sold.

The bartender serves two mugs of ale across the alehouse counter.

Inside a compact traditional public-house vignette, a bartender serves two foaming mugs of amber ale across a plain wooden counter to one adult patron.
Etymology
aleOld Englishale, beer
+houseOld Englishhouse, dwelling

“Ale” and “house” name a building by the drink sold there. The compound meant a house where ale was retailed, directly connecting it with the public-house sense.

In context

Marcus Revives History2:02
A typical Tudor alehouse was somebody's house.
The Tudor Alehouse Was More Dangerous Than the Battlefield

More examples

  • We stop at the alehouse for a beer after work.
  • The old alehouse serves several locally brewed beers.
  • Two alehouses face each other across the town square.

Forms

alehouse · alehouses

Similar words

tavern
Serves alcoholic drinks generally, rather than emphasizing beer or ale.
pub
Suggests a neighborhood gathering place, often with food as well.