bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbē-(ˌ)strō  ˈbi- 

plural bistros

1

: a small or unpretentious restaurant

2

a

: a small bar or tavern

b

: nightclub

Synonyms

• boîte
• cabaret
• café
• cafe
• club
• nightclub
• nightspot
• nitery
• niterie
• roadhouse
• supper club

Examples of bistro in a Sentence

a bistro in Paris that serves veal chops and hearty stews

a section of the city populated with casual bistros offering entertainment to suit nearly every taste

Recent Examples on the Web

The circular pedestal tables, complete with cozy loveseats and wire chairs by Warren Platner, are scattered around the room like a Parisian bistro. —Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024

Outside, there’s even a front patio space that would be perfect for a cute bistro set for two. —Christina Shepherd McGuire, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2024

While sitting outside at one of the bistro tables under the cream-white awnings on a sunny day is a joy, be sure to also go inside to see the interiors of this chandeliered grand café. —Nicole Trilivas, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The framing device, meanwhile, finds Geraldine, played by Caroline Katz, dressed in a stylish cream trouser suit sitting in a windowless, timeless bistro reflecting on her life. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbēs-(ˌ)trō  ˈbis- 

: a small or modest restaurant