noun
bar
bah
noun
1
A place that sells alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises, or the counter inside it.
"They met for a drink at the bar around the corner."
"He leaned against the bar and ordered two beers."
2
A rigid piece of metal, wood, or similar material, much longer than it is wide.
"She used an iron bar to pry the crate open."
3
A block-shaped piece of a solid substance, especially soap or chocolate.
"He unwrapped a bar of chocolate and broke off a piece."
4
Something that blocks or prevents progress; an obstacle.
"A lack of qualifications was the only bar to her promotion."
5
The legal profession, or the examination lawyers must pass to practise.
"She was called to the bar after years of studying law."
6
One of the sections a piece of music is divided into by vertical lines on the staff.
"The song's chorus starts on the ninth bar."
verb
1
To prevent someone from doing something, or to block a passage.
"He was barred from entering the club after the incident."
"A fallen tree barred the road ahead."
How to Use Bar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly a pub or drinks counter, a rigid rod-shaped object, or (as a verb) to block something; also the legal profession and a section of music.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the drinking establishment sense with "bar" meaning "except" (as in "everyone bar Tom came").
Common pairings
raise the bar
behind bars
bar chart
call to the bar
Word Forms
barred past tense, bars plural, bars plural, bars singular
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They met for a drink at the _____ around the corner.
Etymology
From Old French barre ("beam, bar, barrier"), from Vulgar Latin barra, of uncertain further origin.