crush bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, specific to theatre/arts contexts.
Quick answer
What does “crush bar” mean?
A bar in a theatre, typically in the foyer or entrance area, where audience members can gather and drink during intervals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bar in a theatre, typically in the foyer or entrance area, where audience members can gather and drink during intervals.
A specific area within a theatre designed for quick service of drinks during intermissions, often characterised by crowded conditions. Can metaphorically refer to any crowded, bustling bar area in a social venue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used and recognised in British English. In American English, the term 'lobby bar' or simply 'theatre bar' is more frequent.
Connotations
In British usage, it carries a specific theatrical tradition. In American usage, if used, it may be seen as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in UK theatre programmes and reviews; low frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “crush bar” in a Sentence
We met [at the crush bar] during the interval.The play's success was evident from the crowd [in the crush bar].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crush bar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A as verb
American English
- N/A as verb
adverb
British English
- N/A as adverb
American English
- N/A as adverb
adjective
British English
- N/A as adjective
American English
- N/A as adjective
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in hospitality or venue management contexts.
Academic
Used in theatre history, arts management, or cultural studies papers.
Everyday
Used by regular theatre-goers, especially in the UK.
Technical
A specific term in theatre architecture and operations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crush bar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crush bar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crush bar”
- Using it to refer to a bar where one goes to find a romantic partner (a 'crush').
- Capitalising it as a proper noun when not referring to a specific bar's name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it refers to the crowd and the bustling, pressed-together nature of the space during a busy interval.
It is primarily a British term. In the US, similar venues are more commonly called 'lobby bars' or 'theatre bars'.
No, 'crush bar' is exclusively a compound noun.
To serve drinks and refreshments to audience members quickly during the short interval(s) of a theatrical performance.
A bar in a theatre, typically in the foyer or entrance area, where audience members can gather and drink during intervals.
Crush bar is usually formal, specific to theatre/arts contexts. in register.
Crush bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrʌʃ ˌbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrʌʃ ˌbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The real drama was in the crush bar. (Humorous: implying social interactions during the interval were more interesting than the play)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the CRUSH of people at the BAR during the interval – that's the crush bar.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOCIAL HUB IS A PRESSURIZED CONTAINER (evidenced by 'crush').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'crush bar' primarily associated with?