speakeasy

[speek-ee-zee]

noun

plural

speakeasies 

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 present four-story art deco property was constructed in 1926 at the height of the Prohibition and was known for the flamboyant speakeasy in its basement.

From Los Angeles Times

Then I was working the door at these speakeasies that were really important back then, called Temple Bar and Zanzibar.

From Los Angeles Times

Similarly, the living room’s coral, pink and green wallpaper, the den’s bold blue and yellow stripes, and the red pattern-filled speakeasy lounge are delightful surprises that keep you guessing what’s next.

From Los Angeles Times

The lepers carried the hooch to speakeasies known as “aunty bars”, often operated by families from Goa, an enclave colonized by the Portuguese and converted to Christianity.

From Salon

On TV, Sinatra in black-and-white knocks on the door of a speakeasy in “The Joker is Wild.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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