honky-tonk

noun

Definition of honky-tonknext
as in speakeasy

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of honky-tonk On Sunday, the lineup includes Tatiana Hargreaves, a rising-star in the bluegrass fiddling scene, with her band and special guest Michael Daves; the honky-tonk duo Caleb Lauder and Reeb Wllms with their band the Cali Cutups; and Pleasanton native and all-world strings player Tony Furtado. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026 The video was filmed at Fort Worth Stockyards staple Billy Bob’s Texas last fall, according to a spokesperson for the world’s largest honky-tonk. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026 Its melody unfolds in legato phrases that drift across the bar line; its harmonic language leans toward George Gershwin’s chromaticism more than Hank Williams’s honky-tonk. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Watch top country acts and pro bull riders perform at Billy Bob's, the world's largest honky-tonk spanning more than three acres. — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honky-tonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honky-tonk
  1. speakeasy
  2. barroom
  3. saloon
  4. tavern
  5. pub
  6. dive
  7. clip joint
Noun
  • Rather than leaning into the speakeasy trend, the Upper Room provides an accessible gathering place where quality drinks meet a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Swifties believe this dark speakeasy on East Seventh Street is that bar.
    — Lily Boyce, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of speakeasy
Noun
  • Throughout their first five albums, the band has spun a web, not unlike the orb weavers of their native Virginia, that marries country, rock, honky-tonk grit and Appalachian soul with rowdy barroom energy.
    — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • This fine-dining restaurant puts as much care into its barroom burger as its seven-course tasting menu, letting its open hearth work magic on the double-decker beauty.
    — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 6 May 2026
Definition of barroom
Noun
  • Owners can opt for a semi-enclosed galley, which adds a bit of space from the main saloon, or can fully enclose the galley for more separation.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
  • Old Ebbitt Grill Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest saloon (more like an elevated bistro today), just steps from the White House.
    — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of saloon
Noun
  • The land and tavern that would become Mohonk were purchased by two Quaker brothers named Albert and Alfred Smiley in 1870.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
  • At present, Garcia is making Neopolitan, New York, Detroit, New Haven, Chicago tavern, Chicago deep dish and Sicilian pizzas.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of tavern
Noun
  • The last woman to be executed in Britain, for gunning down her abusive lover outside a London pub more than 70 years ago, will be conditionally pardoned, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said Wednesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
  • Half the fun of this market is visiting the charming community of Kensington, a mini British village with its pub and roundabout.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Definition of pub
Noun
  • Payton talks all the time about not putting quarterbacks on the high dive, but Nix has spent his first two seasons in the league working mostly from the 10-meter platform.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
  • According to Lindsley, one diver suffered a concussion underwater after a dive.
    — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of dive
Noun
  • While not all clip joints offer refreshments, a fair number find this is a popular extra in a competitive industry.
    — Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024
Definition of clip joint

Browse Nearby Words

honks
honky-tonk
honky-tonks
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Cite this Entry

“Honky-tonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honky-tonk. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on honky-tonk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about honky-tonk

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