Phrase guide

public house

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A bar or tavern, often selling food and sometimes lodging; an inn.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: bar, taphouse, roadhouse (not always different); see also Thesaurus:pub

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bar, taphouse, roadhouse, alehouse, boozer, boozing ken, bousing ken, drinker, drinkery, gargle-factory, gin joint, groggery, local, nineteenth hole, pot-house, pub, public house, rummery, saloon, tavern, watering hole

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: house, establishment, place, site

2

noun

Meaning 2

tavern consisting of a building with a bar and public rooms; often provides light meals

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: pub, saloon, pothouse, gin mill, taphouse

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: tavern, tap house

Narrower terms: alehouse, free house

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.