noun
Common
inn
ihn
Inn (noun) means a small hotel or pub, especially one in the countryside, offering food, drink, and lodging. Example: “After a long walk, we warmed up by the fire at the village inn.”
noun
1
A small hotel or pub, especially one in the countryside, offering food, drink, and lodging.
"After a long walk, we warmed up by the fire at the village inn."
"We stayed the night at a cozy country inn."
"The old coaching inn dates back to the 1700s."
How to use inn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, often old-fashioned hotel or pub where travelers can eat, drink, and sleep.
Common pairings
country inn
coaching inn
stay at an inn
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Word forms
- Plural
- inns
- Third person singular
- inns
- Past tense
- inned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After a long walk, we warmed up by the fire at the village _____.
Etymology
From Old English inn, "a dwelling or lodging."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inn
See all rhymes for inn →Frequently asked questions
What does “inn” mean?
The word “inn” means a small hotel or pub, especially one in the countryside, offering food, drink, and lodging. In plain terms, a small, often old-fashioned hotel or pub where travelers can eat, drink, and sleep.
How do you pronounce “inn”?
“Inn” is pronounced ihn (/ɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “inn” in a sentence?
Here is “inn” used in a sentence: “We stayed the night at a cozy country inn.”
What part of speech is “inn”?
“Inn” is a noun.
Where does the word “inn” come from?
The word “inn” comes from Old English. From Old English inn, "a dwelling or lodging.".
Is “inn” a common word?
“Inn” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between an inn and a hotel?
An inn is a small hotel or pub, typically in the countryside, offering food, drink, and lodging, usually with fewer rooms and a homelier feel. A hotel is generally larger and more formal; many businesses called "inn" today are simply small hotels trading on the word's cozy image.
What is the difference between an inn and a tavern?
Traditionally, an inn provided travelers with lodging as well as food and drink, while a tavern mainly served drink and meals without offering rooms for the night. The distinction has blurred in modern usage, but inn still carries the idea of accommodation.
What is the difference between an inn and a bed and breakfast?
A bed and breakfast is usually a private home letting a few rooms, with breakfast included and no other meals. An inn operates more like a small hotel or pub, typically serving lunch or dinner and drinks to guests and non-guests alike.
Why do so many British pubs have "Inn" in their name?
Historically, an inn was a pub that also offered lodging to travelers, and many establishments have kept "Inn" in their name even after ceasing to rent rooms. The word survives in pub names because it suggests tradition, hospitality, and age.
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