accommodation

noun

ac·​com·​mo·​da·​tion ə-ˌkä-mə-ˈdā-shən 

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

ə-ˌkä-mə-ˈdā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of accommodation

• lodging

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

For pupils seeking broader advocacy in their scholarly journeys, South Bay can lend a helping hand with academic accommodations, IEPs, classroom placements, and parent education to establish fair resources for all. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

World-class waves draw surfers to the Emerald Coast, where accommodations are elevating luxury travel in Nicaragua like never before. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025

In the surrounding area, book accommodations, dine at local restaurants, tour museums, hike in the snow, listen to live music, visit an indoor amusement park and more. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Terri Irwin, 61, previously told PEOPLE that Steve Irwin had planned accommodations for guests to experience Australian wildlife in this intimate way. —Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing accommodation

• accommodation ladder

Rhymes for accommodation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration
• affiliation

Kids Definition

accommodation

noun

ac·​com·​mo·​da·​tion ə-ˌkäm-ə-ˈdā-shən 

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 

: 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