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Definition of barfly

barfly

/ˈbɑːrˌflaɪ/
bar · fly
Plural:barflies
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barfly Lexical Profile

barfly Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who spends a great deal of time drinking in bars or taverns.

Example

"The novel centers on a philosophical barfly who observes the neighborhood's changing fortunes from his favorite stool."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

barely
bareness
barf
barfly
barfy
bargain
bargainer

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in early 20th-century American slang as a compound of 'bar' and 'fly', comparing a regular tavern patron to an insect that persistently lingers around spilled drinks.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Barfly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/barfly
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