Hostelrya place for travelers to sleep, especially a small inn is a fairlyto a moderate degree; somewhat, but not completely old-fashionednot modern; typical of an earlier time word for a place where travelers can stay overnight, especially an inn or small hotel.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /HOSS-tuhl-ree/
Easy pronunciation: HOSS-tuhl-ree (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Used in the sense of an inn or small hotel for overnight lodging.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Hostelry Meaning
an inn or small hotel where people can stay overnight
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a hotel or inn that provides overnight lodging for travelers
Example: They spent the night at a quiet hostelry near the village green.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- inn — A direct and natural substitute in this sense.
- lodge — Works well when the place is a simple place to stay, though it can suggest a slightly different kind of accommodation.
- hostel — Can fit in the general sense of a place to stay, but it often suggests cheaper or shared accommodation.
- auberge — A valid historical or literary equivalent, but less common in everyday English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Hostelry Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- inn
- lodge
- hostel
- auberge
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using hostelry to mean a modern luxury hotel specifically. It usually sounds old-fashioned and general.
- Confusing hostelry with hostel. They overlap, but hostel often means budget or shared accommodation.
- Using hostelry in everyday speech when inn or hotel sounds more natural.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hostelry mean?
Hostelry means a place where travelers can stay overnight, such as an inn or small hotel.
Is hostelry the same as hotel?
Not exactly. It can refer to a hotel, but it usually sounds older and is often closer in meaning to inn.
What are the best synonyms for hostelry?
The closest practical synonyms are inn and, in some contexts, lodge or hostel.
Is hostelry still used today?
Yes, but it is uncommon and sounds literary, formal, or old-fashioned.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
