What does hosteller mean?
A hosteller is someone who stays in a hostel, particularly a youth hostel offering inexpensive shared accommodation for young travellers. The word is especially common in British English, although it is also understood in American English. It denotes the guest rather than the establishment: a hostel is the place, while a hosteller is the person staying there. Hostellers may be long-distance students, young tourists, or travellers making a brief stop, and the term can carry a practical, slightly informal atmosphere associated with shared rooms, communal meals, and inexpensive travel. Although “hostel guest” is a clear alternative in formal contexts, “hosteller” is idiomatic when the shared and budget-oriented character of hostel accommodation is relevant. The word should not be confused with “hostler,” which in American English means a person employed to look after horses.
nounA person who stays in a hostel, especially a youth hostel. The term may also refer more generally to someone who takes lodging in a hostel or similar accommodation.
- A person who stays in a hostel, especially a youth hostel.
"Each summer, the hostel welcomed dozens of young hostellers from across Europe."
"The young hosteller left a note for the next traveller in the common room."
"Hostellers can exchange practical advice and travel tips over breakfast."
The regular plural takes “-s”; when following a number, the plural form is normally used.
"The two hostellers shared a meal at the hostel."
A hosteller is the guest of a hostel—a fitting name for someone whose temporary home is a shared stop along the journey.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hosteller come from?
The word derives from “hostel,” which came through Old French from Medieval Latin hospitale, a place for guests. Medieval Latin hospitale developed from Latin hospes, meaning “guest” or “host,” the same root found in words such as “host,” “hotel,” “hospital,” and “hospitality.” Adding the suffix “-er” to “hostel” produced “hosteller,” meaning a person who stays in such accommodation.
Related word forms
How hosteller is actually used
Hosteller is especially natural in British English and is often associated with inexpensive or youth accommodation. In American English, hostel guest may sound more neutral, while hostler normally denotes a person who cares for horses and should not be confused with this word.
Easily confused with hosteller
A hosteller is the person who stays at a hostel; a hostel is the place providing inexpensive accommodation.
A hosteller is a lodger or guest, whereas a hostler is a person employed to care for horses.