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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Guest seating for the ceremony took place in the historic Grand Ballroom on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a catered dinner, open bar, cake and dance floor. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2025 Cropped out of that image of schmoozing TikTok influencers celebrating amid an open bar at Sax Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Washington on the Sunday night before Trump’s second term began was the evening’s Black co-host, CJ Pearson. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025 The boat departs from Pier 34 at Hudson River Park, and offers a three-hour open bar, a buffet dinner and a dance floor. Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 Tickets are priced at $125 per person and include access to an open bar and three levels of live music. Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for open bar 

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 21 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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