open bar

noun

: a bar (as at a wedding reception) at which drinks are served free compare cash bar

Examples of open bar in a Sentence

They had a buffet and an open bar at the reception.
Recent Examples on the Web Your ticket includes access to the open bar and proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization Lee Institute. Alexis Clinton, Axios, 8 Aug. 2024 Lavish dinner al fresco with open bar, followed by an hourlong show with hula, drumming and chanting. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2024 Fox is now a no-show, and those who did throw closing parties this year largely kept them to brief open bars in the hotel lobby. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 July 2024 General admission tickets, which do not include the open bar and buffet, are $75; while all-inclusive VIP tickets are $200. Adele Chapin, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for open bar 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open bar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open bar was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near open bar

Cite this Entry

“Open bar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20bar. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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