Bars: meaning, definitions and examples

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bars

[bɑːrz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

music

A place where alcoholic drinks are served and live music is performed.

Synonyms

club, pub, tavern.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bars	Commonly used to describe casual places where people go to drink alcohol, socialise, and often listen to music. Can be upscale or down-to-earth. We went to a few bars after work to relax. That new bar downtown has a great selection of craft beers.

Examples of usage

Let's go to the bars and listen to some live music tonight.
The local bars are always full of people on the weekends.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

prison

A set of metal bars used to confine prisoners.

Synonyms

cage, cell, prison.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bars	Refers to establishments where alcoholic drinks are served. They met at a bar downtown for cocktails. The new bar in town is always crowded on weekends.
cell	Refers to a small room in a prison where a prisoner is kept. More generally, it can also describe a small, confined space. The prisoner spent years in a tiny cell. They held him in a cold, dark cell until the trial.
prison	A building where people are legally held as punishment for crimes they have committed or while awaiting trial. After the trial, he was sent to prison for five years. Living in that house felt like being in a prison.
cage	Often used to describe a small enclosure made of bars or wire to keep animals or birds inside. Metaphorically, it can describe any form of entrapment. The bird sang sadly in its cage. She felt like her job was a cage that kept her creativity locked away.

Examples of usage

The criminal was behind bars for his illegal activities.
He reached out and grabbed the cold bars of his prison cell.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in Old French 'barre', meaning a barrier or a pole, which can still be seen in the way some bars have a physical counter.
In legal terms, 'the bar' refers to the barrier in a courtroom that separates the public from the judges and lawyers, showcasing the word's connection to restriction and access.

Cultural Significance

Bars often serve as social hubs, fostering community connections, where people come together to share stories and experiences.
In many cultures, bars have unique themes and offerings, from Irish pubs with traditional music to tiki bars serving tropical drinks, highlighting local customs.

Entertainment

Live music is a common feature in many bars, creating a vibrant atmosphere and supporting local artists.
Bar games, such as darts and pool, offer patrons a fun way to interact and compete while enjoying their drinks.

Legal Context

The age to enter bars varies worldwide, representing different cultural attitudes towards drinking; for instance, it's 18 in many countries while the US sets it at 21.
Some bars specialize in craft cocktails, showcasing the artistry involved in mixology, a practice that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Health and Safety

Responsible drinking campaigns often encourage moderation in bars to promote health and well-being among patrons.
Bars are frequently involved in community safety initiatives, such as providing free rides home to prevent drunk driving.

Translations

Translations of the word "bars" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barras

🇮🇳 स्लेटी

🇩🇪 Stangen

🇮🇩 batang

🇺🇦 смуги

🇵🇱 pręty

🇯🇵 棒

🇫🇷 barres

🇪🇸 barras

🇹🇷 çubuklar

🇰🇷 막대기

🇸🇦 قضبان

🇨🇿 tyče

🇸🇰 tyče

🇨🇳 条

🇸🇮 palice

🇮🇸 stangir

🇰🇿 шыбықтар

🇬🇪 ჯოხები

🇦🇿 çubuqlar

🇲🇽 barras

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,380, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3377 soldier
3378 solve
3379 temple
3380 bars
3381 roles
3382 fitted
3383 indication
...