Tavern
/ˈtæv.ɚn/noun
A place where alcoholic drinks are sold and sometimes food is served.
Did you know?Tavern comes from Latin taberna, a word for a booth, hut, workshop, or shop — proof that the modern “drinking place” began as an ordinary roadside structure, not a magical temple.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
taberna
“A hut, booth, shop, stall, or small inn”
Late Latin
Latin
taberna
“A shop or tavern-like establishment”
Old French
OF
taverne
“An inn or alehouse”
Middle English
English
taverne
“An inn or public house where drink was sold”
Modern English
English
tavern
“A place licensed to sell alcoholic drinks”
Explore more surprising origins