sports bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “sports bar” mean?
A bar or pub that is specifically designed and equipped for watching sports events, typically featuring multiple large-screen televisions, sports memorabilia, and a focus on broadcasting live games.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bar or pub that is specifically designed and equipped for watching sports events, typically featuring multiple large-screen televisions, sports memorabilia, and a focus on broadcasting live games.
A social establishment that serves as a community hub for sports fans, often promoting a lively, competitive atmosphere during major sporting events. It may also host viewing parties, trivia nights, or feature themed decor related to local or popular teams.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept is identical. In the UK, 'pub' is more common than 'bar' for traditional establishments, so you might hear 'sports pub' with similar meaning, though 'sports bar' is widely understood. US usage strongly prefers 'sports bar'.
Connotations
In the US, a sports bar is often a dedicated, modern commercial chain (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings). In the UK, a 'sports pub' might be a more traditional pub that prioritizes showing games.
Frequency
"Sports bar" is significantly more frequent in American English. In British English, both "sports bar" and "sports pub" are used, with the latter feeling more traditional.
Grammar
How to Use “sports bar” in a Sentence
go to a [sports bar]meet at the [sports bar]watch [event] in a [sports bar][sports bar] is showing [game]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sports bar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It had a very sports-bar feel with screens on every wall.
American English
- The apartment's basement was turned into a sports-bar man cave.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
e.g., 'The franchise is looking to open new sports bars in suburban locations.'
Academic
Rare; might appear in sociology or business studies regarding leisure and consumer culture.
Everyday
e.g., 'Let's grab some wings and watch the match at the sports bar.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sports bar”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sports bar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sports bar”
- Using 'sport bar' (singular 'sport') – incorrect. It's always plural 'sports'.
- Confusing it with a 'sports club' or 'gym bar'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. Sports bars are designed to be lively and noisy, especially during major games, making them a poor choice for a quiet, intimate meal.
No. While alcohol sales are a major part of their business, sports bars serve food and non-alcoholic beverages, and patrons are not required to purchase alcohol.
A sports bar is explicitly themed around sports, with numerous large TVs, a schedule of games, and often sports decor. A regular bar may have one TV or none, and its theme is more general (music, cocktails, socializing).
It depends on local laws and the specific bar's policy. Many sports bars, especially those that function as restaurants, allow children during daytime hours but may restrict entry in the evening.
A bar or pub that is specifically designed and equipped for watching sports events, typically featuring multiple large-screen televisions, sports memorabilia, and a focus on broadcasting live games.
Sports bar is usually informal, neutral in register.
Sports bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːts ˌbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːrts ˌbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two main things you find there: SPORTing events on TV and a BAR serving drinks.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPORTS BAR IS AN ARENA FOR SPECTATORS (communal, competitive viewing environment).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a sports bar?