What does minibar mean?
A minibar is a small bar or drinks counter, most often encountered in a hotel room or other forms of accommodation. It usually takes the form of a refrigerated cabinet containing individual servings of soft drinks, water, beer, wine, spirits, coffee, and light snacks. Guests can generally buy these items and have them added to their accommodation bill. The term can also describe a compact bar in a café, hotel lobby, or similar setting. Its name is transparently formed from “mini,” a prefix meaning very small, and “bar.” The minibar is especially useful for travelers who want a drink or snack without visiting another venue, though its convenience is matched by the limited selection and the additional cost commonly associated with hotel-room beverages. The word is now standard in both British and American English.
nounA small bar in a hotel room or similar accommodation, typically offering drinks and light snacks. More generally, it can refer to a compact bar or drinks counter.
- A small refrigerated cabinet or drinks facility in a hotel room or similar accommodation, usually stocked with beverages and snacks.
- A compact bar or counter serving drinks, with or without food.
"She ordered a glass of wine from the minibar and ate a handful of salted almonds while watching the sunset."
"The minibar was well stocked with water, juice, beer, and snacks."
"The café includes a minibar where guests can prepare simple drinks."
The usual plural adds -s when referring to more than one minibar or its facilities.
"Several of the rooms have minibars stocked with snacks."
The prefix mini- comes from Latin minimus, meaning “smallest,” so a minibar is literally a very small bar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does minibar come from?
“Minibar” combines the English combining form “mini-,” meaning “small,” with “bar.” The prefix ultimately derives from Latin minimus, meaning “smallest,” the same ancient root found in words such as minimum, miniature, minute, and minuscule. The compound became established in the late 20th century as a convenient name for hotel-room beverage facilities and small drinks counters.
Related word forms
How minibar is actually used
The word is most common in British and American English, especially in hotel and travel contexts. It is normally written as one word, although “mini bar” is also encountered. It can sound informal or commercial when referring to a hotel-room drinks cabinet.