barman
gb/bˈɑɹmən/ us/bˈɑɹmən/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
role
1
man who serves drinks
A man who works in a bar and serves drinks.
Usage pattern:
the/a barman (at/in [place])
Common mistake:
Learners may use *barman* for women; in many contexts *bartender* is safer and more gender-neutral. The plural is usually *barmen* (also *barmans* is sometimes used).
Synonyms
bartender (More common and gender-neutral in modern English.)
|
barkeep (Informal, more common in American English.)
Antonyms
customer (A person being served rather than serving.)
|
patron (A bar guest rather than a member of staff.)
Collocations
local barman
|friendly barman
|the barman on duty
|call the barman over
|ask the barman
|chat with the barman
|barman at the pub
|barman behind the bar
|experienced barman
|the barman served us
Themes
food_and_drink
|work
|daily_life
|hospitality
Examples
- The barman poured two pints and put them on the counter.
- She asked the barman for a menu of cocktails.
- The barman said they were out of lime.
Learner examples
- The barman works in a pub.
- I asked the barman for water.
Noun
B2
role
2
bartender (gender not specified)
Sometimes used to mean “bartender” in general, but it is not always appropriate.
Usage pattern:
the/a barman (meaning the bartender)
Common mistake:
Using *barman* as a default for any bartender can seem outdated; prefer *bartender* in mixed or unknown-gender situations.
Synonyms
bartender (Neutral and standard in modern usage.)
Antonyms
guest (Someone receiving service rather than providing it.)
Collocations
barman at the hotel bar
|talk to the barman
|the barman took our order
|the barman made a mojito
Themes
food_and_drink
|work
|hospitality
|society_and_culture
Examples
- Ask the barman if they can make a non-alcoholic version.
- He introduced us to the barman, who turned out to be a woman.
Learner examples
- In many places, people say “bartender” instead of “barman”.
Grammar
Expressions
barman's friend
1/bˈɑɹmənz fɹˈɛnd/
fixed phrase
folding corkscrew tool
A small tool for opening wine bottles (a type of corkscrew).
Examples
- He pulled a barman's friend from his pocket to open the bottle of wine.
- The waiter used a barman's friend to remove the cork cleanly.
head barman
1/hˈɛd bˈɑɹmən/
fixed phrase
most senior barman
The barman who is in charge of the bar staff.
Examples
- The head barman trained the new staff on the cocktail menu.
- If you have a complaint, ask to speak to the head barman.