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

Tucked away in the mountain range of the Saga Prefecture, on the western island of Kyushu, Ureshino is home to some of Japan’s most coveted onsens, run by more than 30 hotels and ryokans, the traditional Japanese inns. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025

While guests may miss the inn’s delicious two-course breakfasts, there’s still plenty to enjoy, including local beer on tap, freshly baked cookies, and gift cards to one of four excellent breakfast spots just blocks away. —Jenn Rice, AFAR Media, 26 Mar. 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

Rhymes for inn

• been
• bin
• chin
• din
• djinn
• fin
• finn
• gin
• grin
• in
• kin
• linn

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