watering hole

UK: /ˈwɔːtə^rɪŋ/ US: /ˈwɔtərɪŋ ˌhoʊl, ˈwɑtər-/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

wa•ter•ing hole /ˈwɔtərɪŋ ˌhoʊl, ˈwɑtər-/   n. [countable]

1. a pool where animals go to drink;
   water hole.
2. Informal Terms Also called ˈwa•ter•ing ˌplace, ˈwa•ter•ing ˌspot. a bar, nightclub, or other social gathering place where alcoholic drinks are sold.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

wa′tering hole′, [Informal.]

1. Informal Terms a bar, nightclub, or other social gathering place where alcoholic drinks are sold. Also called watering place, wa′tering spot′. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

watering hole noun

1. a pool where animals drink; water hole
2. a pub