bar
noun (countable)
UK/bɑːr/US/bɑr/
A long rod or rigid piece of wood, metal, or similar material used to block or secure an opening; also a counter where drinks are served or a place licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
Example Sentences
The security guard checked the bar across the door to make sure it was locked.
We went to our favorite bar to celebrate my birthday last night.
He placed a metal bar on the gate to keep it securely closed.
Inside the bar, patrons chatted and laughed while waiting for their drinks.
A bar can also refer to a unit of pressure in scientific contexts.
Some people aim to pass the bar exam, which allows them to practice law.
My local bar hosts live music every Friday, drawing a large crowd for drinks and dancing in a lively atmosphere.
The bartender meticulously arranged glasses behind the bar, ensuring everything was spotless and ready for customers.
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Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bɑːr/US/bɑr/
To prohibit or forbid entry, movement, or participation; to block physically or otherwise prevent something.
Example Sentences
The club decided to bar him after multiple complaints from other members.
Security measures were put in place to bar unauthorized access to the building.
They tried to bar the door during the storm to keep out the wind and debris.
The company will bar further transactions until the investigation is complete.
She attempted to bar the intruders by pushing heavy furniture against the entrance.
Local officials moved quickly to bar any imports of the contaminated product.
After repeated violations, the organization decided to bar those individuals from attending future events to maintain a safe environment for all participants.
The new policy will bar international students from registering late, ensuring that everyone adheres to the same timeline.
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preposition
UK/bɑːr/US/bɑr/
Except for; other than.
Example Sentences
Everyone bar John managed to finish the assignment on time.
The shop is open daily bar Sundays and public holidays.
We have completed all tasks bar the last one, which needs a final review.
I packed everything bar my toothbrush, which I left on the bathroom counter.
They agreed on all the details bar a few minor points that needed clarification.
Bar a slight delay due to weather, the event ran smoothly and concluded on schedule.
No one objected to the proposal bar the usual critics who always resist change.
All the required documents are ready bar one that has gone missing; however, we’re working to locate it as soon as possible.
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How to Use
A rod-shaped object, a counter serving drinks, or the act of forbidding.“Bar” can serve multiple functions in speech and writing. As a noun, it may indicate a physical rod or similar piece of metal, such as “steel bars” used in construction or security. It can also refer to an establishment serving alcoholic beverages, as in “Let’s meet at the bar tonight.” In the legal realm, “passing the bar” refers to qualifying as a lawyer, while “the bar” can also mean the legal profession itself. As a verb, “to bar” means to prohibit or obstruct: “He barred the door to prevent entry” or “They barred him from entering the club.” Context usually makes clear which sense is intended. For instance, you might say, “The windows are secured with iron bars,” when referring to the protective rods, or “She was barred from accessing classified files” to communicate prohibition. Whether describing physical objects, social settings, or legal and figurative constraints, “bar” is a flexible term that shifts meaning based on usage. It’s concise, direct, and commonly understood, making it a versatile choice in both casual and formal contexts.
Alternatives
Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives for “bar” vary greatly. For physical barriers or rods, words like “rod,” “beam,” “pole,” or “rail” might fit better if you want to emphasize shape or structural use. In contexts related to drinking establishments, you can use “pub,” “tavern,” “saloon,” or “club,” especially if you want to convey a certain atmosphere or era (e.g., “tavern” feels more old-fashioned, while “club” can suggest a modern setting). To capture the sense of prohibiting or obstructing, terms such as “block,” “prevent,” “prohibit,” or “exclude” may be more precise, depending on the level of restriction you wish to convey. If you need to reference the legal profession or legal constraints, “the legal profession,” “the court,” or “the judiciary” can work. These variations, each covering different nuances, help steer your readers toward the exact meaning you intend. Selecting the right word keeps your writing clear, especially when discussing multiple contexts in a single piece, preventing any confusion about whether you’re referring to a physical object, a location that serves drinks, or an act of forbidding.
Writing
When incorporating “bar” into your writing, be mindful of its many possible interpretations and clarify your meaning through context clues or additional descriptors. For instance, if you’re describing a physical rod, you might say “a sturdy metal bar” to differentiate it from a drinking establishment. Conversely, if your focus is on a social scene, providing sensory or atmospheric details can make the setting more vivid, such as “the bustling bar was alive with music and conversation.” If you’re discussing legal matters, specifying “the bar association” or “passing the bar exam” helps ground your usage in a professional setting. Another consideration is the verb form—e.g., “The school barred students from leaving campus during lunch” clarifies that a rule is in place. Whether you’re writing a short story, a news article, or an academic essay, using the right modifiers and context will guide your readers smoothly, ensuring that “bar” fits seamlessly into your narrative. By doing so, you maintain precision, reduce ambiguity, and keep the piece coherent, regardless of how many times you use “bar” or in which sense.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, “bar” is a short, straightforward word that pops up in various contexts. You might say, “Let’s grab a drink at the new bar in town,” to suggest a casual hangout. Or if someone is trying to enter a room they shouldn’t, you could say, “They locked the door and barred the entrance.” Talking about dieting or snacks? You might ask, “Have you tried that new protein bar?” If you’re studying law or know someone who just graduated from law school, you might remark, “She’s studying for the bar right now.” Because “bar” blends so seamlessly into everyday life—covering anything from security measures to social gathering spots—it’s an easy term to use when you want to be succinct. Keep in mind, though, if there’s a chance of confusion—such as mixing up a metal bar with a bar where drinks are served—a little extra detail can go a long way. For example, “He used a crowbar to open the crate” is unambiguous, whereas “Meet me at the bar” unmistakably points to a social setting. Staying clear and concise ensures your friends know exactly what you mean.
Etymology
The word “bar” stems from the Old French “barre,” which meant a rod or barrier. Tracing further back, it’s connected to Vulgar Latin “barra,” referring to a rod or stake. In medieval times, physical bars were used as barriers or as structural supports; from there, the term expanded to describe other physical or conceptual divisions, like railings separating a judge’s bench from the rest of the courtroom, eventually leading to the notion of “the bar” in a legal context. Over centuries, “bar” also came to represent places that serve drinks—initially referencing the physical countertop acting as a barrier between the bartender and patrons. This origin story helps explain why “bar” can describe both a literal barrier and the social hub where people gather for beverages. The legal profession’s use of “bar” likewise ties back to old courtrooms, where a physical bar separated lawyers from spectators, marking a symbolic distinction of authority. Thus, the evolution of “bar” mirrors the shift from simple physical barriers to broader conceptual and social meanings, showcasing how language evolves to fit changing societal structures and practices.
