speakeasy

[ speek-ee-zee ]
/ ˈspikˌi zi /

noun, plural speak·eas·ies.

a saloon or nightclub selling alcoholic beverages illegally, especially during Prohibition.

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Here is our second set of teacher-selected PSAT vocabulary words. Do you know the meanings of these terms?
Question 1 of 10
advocate
to give up possession or occupancy of.
to speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly.
to pronounce or decree by judicial sentence.
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Origin of speakeasy

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; speak + easy

historical usage of speakeasy

Speakeasies are usually and correctly associated with American Prohibition (1920–33), but the word actually goes back to the late 1880s in the United States, and back even further in Australia (the 1830s). Speakeasies are so named not because the customers were quiet, shy, or taciturn, but because no one wanted to attract the attention of unsympathetic neighbors, the local police, or the revenuers by talking too loudly.

Words nearby speakeasy

speak the same language, speak to, speak too soon, speak up, speak volumes, speakeasy, speaker, speaker of the house, speakerphone, speaking, speaking clock
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to speakeasies

bistro, bar, restaurant, tavern, disco, joint, saloon, cabaret, discotheque, hangout, pub, nightclub, barroom, hotel, lounge, inn, lodge, theatre, hideaway, dive

Example sentences from the Web for speakeasies

British Dictionary definitions for speakeasies

speakeasy
/ (ˈspiːkˌiːzɪ) /

noun plural -easies

US a place where alcoholic drink was sold illicitly during Prohibition

Word Origin for speakeasy

C19: from speak + easy (in the sense: gently, quietly)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012