hostel
HOS-tuhl
/ˈhɒstl/
An inexpensive lodging establishment, typically featuring shared dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities.
An inexpensive lodging establishment, typically featuring shared dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities, popular among young travelers.
The story behind the word. From Old French hostel, from Medieval Latin hospitale (inn, large house), sharing the same hospes root as 'hospital' and 'hospitality'.
Word relationships
- guesthouse: A guesthouse usually offers private rooms in a home-like setting, whereas a hostel typically features shared dormitories and communal spaces.
- inn: An inn is historically a tavern that provides lodging, whereas a hostel is specifically designed around budget, community-oriented travel.
- luxury resort: A luxury resort offers high-end, highly private, and expensive accommodations.
Commonly confused with
- hotel: A hotel offers private rooms and standard amenities, while a hostel focuses on shared dormitory beds and communal areas to keep costs low.
Word family
- hostelling (noun): the activity of traveling and staying in hostels
Collocations
- youth hostel
- hostel dormitory
- stay in a hostel
Example sentences
- "Staying in a youth hostel is a great way to travel on a budget and meet new people." Budget travel.
Memory hook
A hostel is a 'host' for 'el'-ementary (budget) travelers. Hostel is a budget home for travelers.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a luxury resort or a private apartment, as it specifically implies shared, budget accommodations.
Fun facts
- The first youth hostel was founded in Germany in 1909 by Richard Schirrmann, a teacher who wanted to give city children a cheap place to stay while exploring the countryside.
Related words
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