accommodation

noun

ac·​com·​mo·​da·​tion ə-ˌkä-mə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce accommodation (audio)
1
: something supplied for convenience or to satisfy a need: such as
a
: lodging, food, and services or traveling space and related services
usually used in plural
tourist accommodations on the boat
overnight accommodations
b
: a public conveyance (such as a train) that stops at all or nearly all points
c
: loan
2
: the act of accommodating someone or something : the state of being accommodated: such as
a
: the providing of what is needed or desired for convenience
changed his schedule for the accommodation of his clients
b
: adaptation, adjustment
an accommodation to temporary conditions
c
: a reconciliation of differences : settlement
Negotiators felt that an accommodation with the union was possible.
d
: the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances effected chiefly by changes in the convexity of the crystalline lens
also : the range over which such adjustment is possible
accommodational adjective

Examples of accommodation in a Sentence

They weren't sure if they could provide food and accommodations for the whole group. The accommodations on board the boat are a bit cramped. He hoped to reach an accommodation with the new owners. Negotiators were convinced that accommodation with the union was possible. He changed his schedule as an accommodation to his clients. Changes were made for the accommodation of differing viewpoints.
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.
Ubisoft provided flights from Chicago to Rome and accommodation so that Ars could participate in the preview opportunity for Anno 117: Pax Romana. ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025 Everyone Pile In With no designated guest accommodations, their son's room pulls double duty. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 17 May 2025 This shift has prompted Marriott to diversify its accommodation offerings, now providing nearly 200,000 homes and villas in addition to traditional hotel rooms. Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 16 May 2025 And one of the surest ways to find happiness for all is to select a destination and accommodations with plenty of options and activities baked in. Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for accommodation

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin accommodātiōn-, accommodātiō "act of fitting or adapting, willingness to oblige," from accommodāre "to accommodate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accommodation was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accommodation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accommodation. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

accommodation

noun
ac·​com·​mo·​da·​tion ə-ˌkäm-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce accommodation (audio)
1
a
: something supplied that is useful and handy
b
plural : lodging and meals or traveling space and related services
overnight accommodations
2
: the act of accommodating : the state of being accommodated
3
: the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances
4
: an adjustment of differences : settlement

Medical Definition

accommodation

noun
ac·​com·​mo·​da·​tion ə-ˌkäm-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce accommodation (audio)
: an adaptation or adjustment especially of a bodily part (as an organ): as
a
: the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances effected chiefly by changes in the convexity of the crystalline lens
b
: the range over which such adjustment is possible

More from Merriam-Webster on accommodation

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