hostel

American  

[hos-tl] / ˈhɒs tl /

noun

1. Also called youth hostel.  an inexpensive, supervised lodging place for young people on bicycle trips, hikes, etc.

2. (formerly) a residence for the exclusive use of boarding Indigenous students, separate from but close to any of a series of day schools in northern Canada that were operated or funded by the federal government and were themselves open to students of any ethnicity.

3. British.  a student residence at a university or boarding school.

4. an inn.

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verb (used without object)

hosteled, hosteling hostelled, hostelling

1. to travel, lodging each night at a hostel.

hostel British  

/ ˈhɒstəl /

noun

1. a building providing overnight accommodation, as for the homeless, etc

2. See youth hostel

3. a supervised lodging house for nurses, workers, etc

4. archaic  another word for hostelry

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Etymology

Origin of hostel

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English (h)ostel, from Old French, from Late Latin hospitāle “guest room”; hospital

Example Sentences

She lived with her grandmother for a spell, supported herself for another and eventually fled to Edinburgh, Scotland, while still a teenager, working in a hostel bar for a year before returning to Norway.

From Los Angeles Times

They come from villages, farming families and small-town hostels, with many learning the sport only in the past few years.

From BBC

Reports have suggested the hostel is preparing to reopen with a new name.

From BBC

The attackers "engaged police personnel on duty in a gun duel" before scaling the perimeter fence and seizing the students from their hostel, a statement said.

From BBC

It would apply to paid overnight stays of 31 nights or fewer in hotels, hostels, guesthouses, Airbnbs, campsites and temporary event accommodation.

From BBC

Related Words

• hotel
• inn