bartender

American  

[bahr-ten-der] / ˈbɑrˌtɛn dər /

noun

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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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

The cocktail program, developed by third-generation bartender Sean Kenyon, is inspired by the songs created by musicians who’ve graced the Hollywood Palladium stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Back in the Catman Cafe in Mansfield, Mass., where Boldy’s mom Jen works as a bartender, the crowd came to its feet and cheered.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

Two middle-aged Americans, matching orange ringlets marking them as brothers, quizzed the bartender about cask types and chill filtration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

He added that despite having a full-time job with good pay, he has also worked a second job as a bartender and attempted to start multiple small businesses to supplement his income.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 10, 2026

“No Yiddish, remember?” she whispered back furiously, before smiling at the bartender and responding to him in English: “We have heard great things about this club.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros