dive bar

American  

[dahyv bahr] / ˈdaɪv ˌbɑr /

noun

Slang.

1. a dingy, disreputable, or seedy bar or tavern.

   We met for a drink at this dank, dimly lit dive bar around the corner.

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Etymology

Origin of dive bar

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

At the Virginian, a dimly lit dive bar with dollar bills plastered to the wall, bartender Joshua Roche was pouring beers Thursday for a rowdy group that included one active-duty and two retired Marines.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

The Oakland Coliseum, the A’s longtime home, was widely considered one of the most run-down stadiums in the major leagues — baseball’s last dive bar, as the Guardian newspaper put it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

For Lorell, the dive bar exists as a third space.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

Baginski and Lee threw their first party in February at a dive bar in Chicago called the Burlington on the night of a blinding snowstorm.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

“You know the Allens over on Porter Street, by that dive bar called Drinkers?”

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick