bartender

American  

[bahr-ten-der] / ˈbɑrˌtɛn dər /

noun

bartenders plural

1. a person who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar.

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bartender British  

/ ˈbɑːˌtɛndə /

noun

1. a person who serves in a bar

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• bartenders
  plural

Etymology

Origin of bartender

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; bar ¹ + tender ³

Explanation

A bartender is a person who mixes, pours, and serves drinks from behind a bar. The bartender at a bar mitzvah may spend hours putting little paper umbrellas in Shirley Temples for the young guests. If you work as a bartender, you need to know how to mix cocktails, pour wine and beer, and keep the bar tidy. Most bartenders don't make a high hourly wage, but depend on tips to make a good living. Many events, like wedding receptions and big parties, include a bartender. The word itself dates from the early 19th century, from bar, which comes from the barrier or counter over which drinks are served, and tender, or "seller."

Example Sentences

Paul had a recurring role playing Hughie the bartender at Foxy’s on the ABC daytime soap “All My Children” for 12 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026

A bartender going by Andrew, who moved to New York from Ireland four years ago, said the vibe at the nearby pub where he works has been "absolutely mental" and "pandemonium."

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

Adding to the futuristic feel, a robot bartender takes center stage pouring drinks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

"There's a buzz around the place, you can feel it," said John Crombie, a bartender at the Irish pub Jack Doyle's, which is hosting watch parties.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

The bartender, who was wiping a sherry glass dry, looked at her.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger