barkeep

noun

bar·​keep ˈbär-ˌkēp How to pronounce barkeep (audio)
variants or less commonly barkeeper
ˈbär-ˌkē-pər How to pronounce barkeep (audio)
Synonyms of barkeepnext
: bartender

Examples of barkeep in a Sentence

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.
Many customers are on a first-name basis with lots of banter with the barkeeps. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026 Each table, each stool, each spirited exchange between barkeep and guest becomes part of a collective verse. — Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025 When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny and the barkeep is giving himself that last look in the mirror to see if his tie is straight and his hair is smooth. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 The Florentine entrepreneur Francesco Datini was the son of a barkeep. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for barkeep

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barkeep was in 1671

Rhymes for barkeep

See All Rhymes for barkeep

Browse Nearby Words

bar keel
barkeep
barken
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barkeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barkeep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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