motel

American  

[moh-tel] / moʊˈtɛl /

noun

1. a hotel providing travelers with lodging and free parking facilities, typically a roadside hotel having rooms adjacent to an outside parking area or an urban hotel offering parking within the building.

---

motel British  

/ məʊˈtɛl /

noun

1. a roadside hotel for motorists, usually having direct access from each room or chalet to a parking space or garage

---

Etymology

Origin of motel

First recorded in 1920–25; blend of motor and hotel

Compare meaning

How does motel compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• motel vs. hotel

Example Sentences

Glusac tried staying with other family and friends in the area, but ultimately decided a motel room was worth the money.

From MarketWatch

She stood near the motel as her alleged kidnapper fled in a black SUV, flashing a gun as authorities pulled her vehicle over.

From Washington Times

Seeing open-room shelters as hotbeds for spreading disease, government leaders turned to options like tiny houses and motels as safer settings.

From Seattle Times

A shelter has been opened in an old National Guard armory in Rolling Fork, and there is a single open motel.

From New York Times

The fence went up in 2021, just as a scores of unhoused people were moved out of the park and into motels, hotels and homeless shelters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cabin
• hotel
• inn
• lodge
• resort