open bar

American  

noun

1. a bar at a reception that serves drinks whose cost has been borne by the host, an admission charge, a sponsor, etc..

   Before the banquet there will be an open bar from 5 to 7 p.m.

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Etymology

Origin of open bar

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

open bar

She insists that she and her family are still paying for a decent portion of the open bar, and that the $80 is just meant to help offset the total cost.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

The open bar at the reception ended up costing $62,500—$250 a head for 250 guests—so they chose not to have one at all seven events.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

"But that comes with different expectations," she says, explaining that Polish weddings are often expected to include a large celebration, endless food, an open bar and free accommodation.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

The music, the women, the open bar, the outfits—Armani meets Miami Vice—gave the soiree a Wolf of Wall Street vibe.

From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2026

The X chromosome in the male is represented by an open bar, the Y chromosome is bent.

From A Critique of the Theory of Evolution by Thomas Hunt Morgan