What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pub
Example
Let's go to the pub after work for a drink. [pub: noun]
Example
He enjoys pub crawling with his friends on weekends. [pub: gerund or present participle]
saloon
Example
The old saloon in town has been around since the Gold Rush era. [saloon: noun]
Example
The saloon girls entertained the patrons with their singing and dancing. [saloon: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pub is a more commonly used term than saloon in everyday language, especially in British English. Saloon is less common and may be used more in historical or themed contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pub and saloon?
Pub is generally considered a more informal term, while saloon may have a more formal or historical connotation depending on the context.