innkeeper

noun

inn·​keep·​er ˈin-ˌkē-pər 

1

: a proprietor of an inn

2

: hotelman

Synonyms

• taverner
• landlord

Examples of innkeeper in a Sentence

the innkeeper was a very genial, accommodating host

Recent Examples on the Web

The celebratory July 4 meal would certainly have kept the innkeeper, Daniel Smith, busy replenishing the finest bottles of Madeira from behind the locked bar—perhaps overhearing snippets of chatter among the delegates. —Victoria Flexner, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025

The innkeeper who greets the same families every season. —Big Think, 9 Oct. 2025

Sarah and Chris Cooper, innkeepers of the Margin Street Inn, explained the balance of life in a town where global celebrity meets generations of tradition. —Bryan West, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025

Owner and innkeeper John Lavin took over the three-story home, built in 1890, in 2021, and the property continues to charm guests with its creative design, hospitable amenities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for innkeeper

• beekeeper
• bookkeeper
• doorkeeper
• gamekeeper
• gatekeeper
• goalkeeper
• housekeeper
• minesweeper
• peacekeeper
• shopkeeper
• storekeeper
• timekeeper

Kids Definition

innkeeper

noun

inn·​keep·​er ˈin-ˌkē-pər 

: the person who runs an inn