hostel

hostel — noun

1. a large building, often an old house, where beds are offered at a very low price

1.nounB1
Definition

a large building, often an old house, where beds are offered at a very low price — sometimes free — for people such as students, seasonal workers, or travelers who need an affordable place to rest for a night or longer

Example

The university hostel offers cheap rooms for students visiting from other cities.

collocation: university hostel

Renata stayed at a workers' hostel near the factory during her training period.

collocation: workers' hostel

Common collocations
  • workers' hostel
  • student hostel
  • university hostel
  • hostel accommodation
Synonyms
  • lodge

    similar meaning but often smaller and more rural; less tied to an institution

  • boarding house

    a private home where rooms are rented with meals; more old-fashioned

  • dormitory

    a shared sleeping room, not the whole building

Antonyms
  • hotel

    more expensive, private rooms, more services

Grammar Patterns

a/the + hostel

hostel + noun (e.g. hostel bed, hostel kitchen)

Usage Note

This sense is often used for accommodation tied to an institution — a university, a factory, or a seasonal employer — rather than for general tourist lodging.

Common Mistakes

The workers stayed at a hotel near the factory.' (if meaning cheap, basic lodging).
The workers stayed at a hostel near the factory.
a hotel is more expensive and has private rooms; a hostel is cheaper and often has shared facilities.

2. a simple, low-cost place to sleep while traveling, especially for young people e

2.nounA2
Definition

a simple, low-cost place to sleep while traveling, especially for young people exploring new places, where guests usually share a room with several beds (called a dormitory) and sometimes have the option of a private room

Example

Lien booked a bed in a four-bed dormitory at a youth hostel in Berlin.

collocation: youth hostel

Imran met travelers from six countries in the common room of his hostel.

collocation: common room

Common collocations
  • youth hostel
  • hostel dormitory
  • backpacker hostel
  • common room
  • shared room
  • private room
  • book a hostel
  • stay at a hostel
Synonyms
  • backpacker lodge

    similar but often in outdoor or adventure destinations; may have cabins

  • guesthouse

    usually has private rooms only and a homelier feel; less emphasis on shared dorms

Antonyms
  • hotel

    private rooms, full services, much higher cost

Grammar Patterns

a/the + hostel

youth + hostel

hostel + noun (e.g. hostel dormitory)

Usage Note

Often called a youth hostel, though many hostels welcome travelers of all ages. Dormitory beds are the cheapest option; private rooms cost more but are still cheaper than most hotels. Hostels typically have shared bathrooms, a common room, and a kitchen.

Common Mistakes

We booked a hostel room with a private bathroom and room service.
We booked a private room at a hostel.
hostels generally do not offer hotel-style services such as room service or daily cleaning.

3. a building that a charitable organization or local council operates to provide a

3.nounB1
Definition

a building that a charitable organization or local council operates to provide a bed, food, and practical support for people who do not have a home to live in

Example

The city opened a new hostel that provides beds for homeless families.

collocation: provides beds for homeless families

Jabari found a bed at a homeless hostel after losing his apartment.

collocation: homeless hostel

Common collocations
  • homeless hostel
  • men's hostel
  • emergency hostel
  • hostel for the homeless
  • temporary hostel
  • run a hostel
Synonyms
  • shelter

    the more common term in American English; can be temporary or long-term

  • halfway house

    a supportive residence for people leaving prison or recovering from addiction

  • refuge

    usually for people escaping danger (e.g. domestic violence)

Grammar Patterns

a/the + hostel

homeless + hostel

hostel + for [people]

Usage Note

This sense is more common in British English. In American English, the word shelter is used more often for this meaning. Residents are usually referred to as guests rather than tenants.

Common Mistakes

He moved into a youth hostel after losing his job.
He moved into a homeless hostel after losing his job.
a youth hostel is for travelers, not for people without a home.

hostel — verb

Word family

  • hosteller
    nounB2
  • hostelling
    nounB2
  • hosteler
    nounB2
  • hosteled
    verb (past tense)B2
  • hostelled
    verb (past tense)B2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

A hostel (this sense) is the cheapest option, with shared dormitory beds and self-catering kitchens — ideal for budget-conscious travelers. A hotel offers private rooms with daily cleaning, a reception desk, and often a restaurant, but costs significantly more. An inn is a small, traditional establishment, usually in a rural area or along a historic road, that provides both rooms and cooked meals; it is cosier than a hostel but more expensive. A backpacker lodge is similar to a hostel but often located in nature or adventure destinations (mountains, national parks) and may offer private cabins alongside shared dorms. For example, you might book a hostel dorm for €15 a night, an inn for €80 with dinner included, and a hotel chain room for €120 or more.

hostel ↗hotel ↗inn ↗backpacker lodge

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • youth hostel
  • backpacker hostel
  • homeless hostel
  • hostel accommodation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Hostel comes from Old French ostel, meaning 'inn' or 'lodging,' which traces back to the Latin word hospitale, meaning 'guest house' or 'inn.' The English words hotel and hospital share this same Latin root — all three were once different ways of spelling the same idea of a place that offers shelter to guests.