Dictionary.com

Popular Searches

 Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

speakeasy

American  
[speek-ee-zee] / ˈspikˌi zi /

noun

plural

speakeasies

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

speakeasy British  
/ ˈspiːkˌiːzɪ /

noun

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of speakeasy

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Entering Vinyl Room feels like you’re stepping into a secret speakeasy for music lovers, one with iconic music memorabilia, a thoughtful food menu and premium sound quality.

From Los Angeles Times

Their ideas for improving office life ranged from creating “no-device speakeasy” areas to adding more workplace fitness options such as underdesk treadmills.

From The Wall Street Journal

Janes House was bought by a developer and moved to the back of its lot where it was restored; it is now the speakeasy No Vacancy.

From Los Angeles Times

Molly remembered the building from when it was new and had still been a hotel and speakeasy.

From Literature

This no-device speakeasy would be less structured around work and more like a hangout: Someone just kicks off a conversation and folks follow on.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.