Word
Definition
n. an inexpensive place to stay when you are traveling. You usually share a room and a bathroom with other people to save money.
n. an establishment providing inexpensive food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as students, workers, or travelers. Often characterized by dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and shared communal facilities.
Examples
“I stayed in a cheap hostel during my trip to Berlin.”
“Many young backpackers prefer staying in a hostel because it is easy to meet other travelers in the common areas.”
“While the hostel offered minimal privacy with its ten-bed dormitories, the central location and vibrant social atmosphere made it an ideal choice for budget-conscious solo travelers.”
Examples
simple
“I stayed in a cheap hostel during my trip to Berlin.”
contextual
“Many young backpackers prefer staying in a hostel because it is easy to meet other travelers in the common areas.”
complex
“While the hostel offered minimal privacy with its ten-bed dormitories, the central location and vibrant social atmosphere made it an ideal choice for budget-conscious solo travelers.”
Usage
Commonly modified by 'youth' (youth hostel) or 'backpackers'.
Etymology
From Middle English hostel, from Old French hostel, ostel, from Late Latin hospitale (“hospice”), from Classical Latin hospitalis (“hospitable”) itself from hospes (“host”) + -alis (“-al”). Doublet of hotel and hospital. Not in use from late 17th c. (in the usual sense from mid 16th c.) to 1808, when it was revived by Walter Scott in his poem Marmion (see the quotation).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/hostel
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0