watering hole

noun

Synonyms of watering holenext
1
2
: a place where people gather socially
especially : watering place sense 3

Examples of watering hole in a Sentence

supposedly, that Broadway hangout was the favorite watering hole for 1940s celebrities
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.
Nowadays, old-school residents bemoan the neighborhood’s evolution from grungy to grandiose; what was once a warren of hedonism has become a breeding ground for characterless watering holes whose lack of personality is bested only by the exorbitance of their beer prices. Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 1 May 2026 The Eastside isn’t the only watering hole saying goodbye in May. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026 Since then, it’s expanded into a bookstore, café, and all-around watering hole for those with a love of letters. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 Wade is set to play Carol, a bartender at the local watering hole in Rio Paloma, the fictional Texas town where the series takes place. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watering hole

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of watering hole was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Watering hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watering%20hole. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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