Bars Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'bars'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'bars' originated from Old French 'barre' which means a rod or piece of wood. Over time, it evolved to refer to a place where alcoholic drinks are served and also to the metal bars used in prisons to confine prisoners.


See also: bar, barb, barbel, barge, baron, barred, barrel, barrier, rebar.

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.