noun

pub

An establishment serving alcoholic drinks and often food.

The neighborhood pub serves local beer and homemade burgers.

Etymology

Pub is a shortening of public house. The longer expression distinguished an establishment open to customers for drinking from a private household.

More examples

  • We meet at the pub for a drink after work.
  • Several pubs downtown stay open until midnight.
  • This pub has a full dinner menu.

Forms

pub · pubs

Similar words

bar
Emphasizes serving alcoholic drinks rather than meals or neighborhood atmosphere.
tavern
A close alternative, often suggesting a traditional drinking establishment.