motel

noun

mo·​tel mō-ˈtel How to pronounce motel (audio)
: an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area

Examples of motel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The five people initially suspected in connection with Nordquist's death were arrested the same day after police searched the Patty’s Lodge motel in Canandaigua, the last place Nordquist was known to be staying. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025 Those motels, the Rodeway Inn and Flamingo, are in the area of the Grand Gateway Master Plan. Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025 Restaurants, hotels and motels benefit the most from the river’s lure. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025 An expansion of motel voucher programs also was discussed. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motel

Word History

Etymology

blend of motor and hotel

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motel was in 1925

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Cite this Entry

“Motel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motel. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

motel

noun
mo·​tel mō-ˈtel How to pronounce motel (audio)
: a building or group of buildings which provide lodgings and in which the rooms are usually reached directly from an outdoor parking lot

More from Merriam-Webster on motel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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