speakeasy

[ speek-ee-zee ]

noun

, plural speak·eas·ies.

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

speakeasy

/ ˈspiːkˌiːzɪ /

noun

1. a place where alcoholic drink was sold illicitly during Prohibition

Word History and Origins

Origin of speakeasy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of speakeasy¹

C19: from speak + easy (in the sense: gently, quietly)

Example Sentences

The Prohibition Era lasted only from 1920-23, but in that time the crime of drinking was driven underground into speakeasies and basements.

From Time

This all started before the resumption of Major League Baseball and other professional sports, and it sometimes seemed as if our tournaments were the only serious competitive sports happening in the country, a sort of speakeasy baseball.

From ProPublica

It all makes for a very cool bar, sure, but as a speakeasy, it feels a little muddled.

From The Daily Beast

They were paid $50 to play a tiny Los Angeles speakeasy called The Lava Lounge—now The Woods.

From The Daily Beast

You couldn't see him for dust as he broke for the nearest 'speakeasy,' and the two panhandlers were hanging on to his coat tails.

From Project Gutenberg

You can take the first shot with old 'Speakeasy' an' then I'll try her.

From Project Gutenberg

He's been in the "cigar store" bookie racket ever since repeal had closed a speakeasy he'd had on Grand Avenue.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bar
• bistro
• cabaret
• disco
• discotheque
• restaurant
• saloon
• tavern
• watering hole