inn

1 of 2

noun

ˈin 

1

a

: an establishment for the lodging and entertaining of travelers

b

: tavern

2

: a residence formerly provided for British students in London and especially for students of law

inn

2 of 2

verb

inned; inning; inns

intransitive verb

: to put up at an inn

Synonyms

Noun

• auberge
• caravansary
• caravanserai
• hospice
• hostel
• hostelry
• hotel
• lodge
• public house
• tavern

Examples of inn in a Sentence

Noun

We stayed at a cozy little inn in the country.

we decided to stay at an inn rather than keep driving all night

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Picture yourself sipping from a sparkling glass while soaking in a hot tub overlooking rolling vineyard hills; many boutique wineries and inns, like those in Calistoga, offer this luxurious experience. —Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025

Another longtime local establishment is the Breakwater Inn, a former motel that was converted into a cozy inn, complete with rooms and suites overlooking the water, in 2005. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025

Verb

The serene pond with a fountain adds a touch of tranquility, making this country inn a perfect spot for unwinding in style. —Liz Kellar, The Tennessean, 29 Apr. 2024

But in Thompson’s comments — and surely inn the conversation with Kerr that preceded them — there was just as much retrospection as introspection. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old Norse inni dwelling, inn, Old English in, adverb

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing inn

• motor inn

Kids Definition

inn

noun

ˈin

: a public house that provides lodging and food for travelers : hotel

Geographical Definition

Inn

geographical name

ˈin 

river 320 miles (515 kilometers) long flowing from southeastern Switzerland northeast through Austria into the Danube River in southeastern Germany see engadine