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barkeeper

barkeeper

1 2.9
A person who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar
  • noun
  • /ˈbɑrˌkipər/
  • US
translation icon : cantinero
  • I do feel sorry for the barkeepers, though.

Examples

  • Corky the barkeeper held one arm and Mead the other, and Ramos.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • " You seem to be doing pretty well for yourself," he said to Norman, who was doing his turn as barkeeper that night.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Barkeeper, bring Mrs. Charles 240 martinis.

  • The barkeeper mixed a refreshing cocktail for the patrons at the bar.

  • After a long day, the barkeeper served drinks to customers who were eager to unwind.

  • She asked the barkeeper for his recommendations on the best local beers.

Synonyms

bartender
vsbarkeeper
330 2.0

A person who mixes and serves drinks at a bar or restaurant

is used mainly for bar work rather than restaurant settings
barkeep
vsbarkeeper
  • Informal
20 6.3

A person who serves and mixes alcoholic drinks at a bar

is the neutral term rather than the informal short form
barmaid
vsbarkeeper
  • UK
14 2.3

A woman who serves drinks at a bar or pub

is the neutral term used regardless of the worker's gender
barman
vsbarkeeper
  • UK
9 2.4

A man who works behind a bar serving and mixing drinks

is the gender-neutral term used for the same job
mixologist
vsbarkeeper
4 7.6

A person who makes and serves drinks with alcohol, often creating new cocktails

is the general job title without stressing advanced skill
tapster
vsbarkeeper
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A person who serves beer and other drinks in a pub or inn

is the broader bar service role beyond drawing from casks
tapper
vsbarkeeper
  • Archaic
1 9.1

A person who pours beer from kegs to serve people

focuses on general mixing and serving rather than drawing from casks

How Formal

mixologist
4 7.6
bartender
330 2.0
barkeeper
  • US
1 2.9
barkeep
  • Informal
20 6.3

Surface Forms

barkeeper singular
barkeeps plural
barkeepers plural

Morphology

barkeeper = bar + keeper (transparent) = bar + keeper

A direct and regular compound of 'bar' + 'keeper' whose meaning (a person who works at a bar) is immediately inferable by learners.

Etymology

The word barkeeper is made of bar and keeper: a 'keeper' is someone who 'looks after' something, so a barkeeper looks after the bar and serves drinks, just like a shopkeeper looks after a shop.