bartender

/ˌbɑrˈtɛndər/

/ˈbɑtɛndə/

Other forms: bartenders

A bartender is a person who mixes, pours, and serves drinks from behind a bar. The bartender at a bar mitzvah may spend hours putting little paper umbrellas in Shirley Temples for the young guests.

If you work as a bartender, you need to know how to mix cocktails, pour wine and beer, and keep the bar tidy. Most bartenders don't make a high hourly wage, but depend on tips to make a good living. Many events, like wedding receptions and big parties, include a bartender. The word itself dates from the early 19th century, from bar, which comes from the barrier or counter over which drinks are served, and tender, or "seller."

Definitions of bartender

1. noun

   an employee who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar
   synonyms: barkeep, barkeeper, barman, mixologist

   types:

   barmaid

   a female bartender

   publican, tavern keeper

   the keeper of a public house

   tapper, tapster

   a tavern keeper who taps kegs or casks

   type of:

   employee

   a worker who is hired to perform a job