What does hostelry mean?
A hostelry is a place to stay, especially an inn or another accommodation for travellers. The word is literary and now sounds old-fashioned, but it preserves a broader sense than the modern term hostel: a hostelry may mean lodging in general as well as the establishment that provides it. In contemporary usage it has a slightly traditional or nostalgic atmosphere, often suggesting an inn with hospitality, comfort, and a welcoming atmosphere. The term is appropriate in literary writing, historical description, or deliberately traditional prose, while hotel, inn, lodging, or accommodation are more natural choices in ordinary conversation. Its historical associations also explain why the word carries a sense of welcome and shelter for travellers.
nounLodging or accommodation, especially at an inn or similar establishment. The word can also refer to an establishment that provides lodging to travellers.
- Lodging or accommodation, especially at an inn or similar establishment.
- An establishment that provides lodging to travellers.
"They found shelter for the night at a small country hostelry."
"The travellers sought a hostelry before the storm."
"The old hostelry was known for its warm welcome and excellent meals."
The standard plural is hostelries, with the second syllable pronounced /tri/ and the final e silent.
"The guide listed several hostelries along the coast."
A hostelry was once a place where hospitality itself seemed built in: the word preserves the old idea of receiving and sheltering travellers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hostelry come from?
The word comes through Middle English and Old French from a stem associated with Latin hospitale, meaning relating to a guest or hospitality. In English it developed the sense of an inn or place offering lodging, and the longer form hostelry reflects the influence of French hostellerie. The same broad Latin root is reflected in hostel, hotel, hospital, and hospitality, words that all connect receiving, hosting, or sheltering guests.
How hostelry is actually used
Hostelry is literary and somewhat old-fashioned in modern English. It can refer broadly to accommodation or, in older and formal usage, to an inn or similar establishment; it should not be assumed to mean a youth hostel.
Easily confused with hostelry
A hostel is an establishment or building providing inexpensive accommodation, often for young travellers, whereas a hostelry is a more literary word for lodging generally or for an inn-like establishment.