caravansary

American  

[kar-uh-van-suh-ree] / ˌkær əˈvæn sə ri /

Also caravanserai

noun

plural

caravansaries

1. (in the Middle East and North Africa) an inn, usually with a large courtyard, for the overnight accommodation of caravans.

2. any large inn or hotel.

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Other Word Forms

• caravanserial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of caravansary

First recorded in 1590–1600; from French caravanserai, from Persian kārwānsarāy, equivalent to kārwān caravan + sarāy “mansion, inn”

Example Sentences

The Caravansary was but a few doors from the Fulhams'; an old-fashioned, hospitable affair, with high ceilings, white marble mantels, and narrow windows.

From The Precipice by Peattie, Elia Wilkinson

"We're to have a new member in the family, Kate," Honora said one morning, as she and Kate made their way together to the Caravansary.

From The Precipice by Peattie, Elia Wilkinson

They talked of it at the Caravansary, and were proud; and many men and women who had met her by chance, or had watched her with interest, openly rejoiced.

From The Precipice by Peattie, Elia Wilkinson

Kate wrapped her old coat about her and made her solitary way to Mrs. Dennison's depressed Caravansary.

From The Precipice by Peattie, Elia Wilkinson

There was a bleak, attic-like room at the Caravansary, airy enough, and glimpsing the lake from its eastern window, which Kate took temporarily for her abiding-place.

From The Precipice by Peattie, Elia Wilkinson