innkeeper

noun

inn·​keep·​er ˈin-ˌkē-pər 

1

: a proprietor of an inn

2

: hotelman

Synonyms of innkeeper

• taverner
• landlord

Examples of innkeeper in a Sentence

the innkeeper was a very genial, accommodating host

Recent Examples on the Web

The state has asked Lake and Porter counties to adopt a 1% food and beverage tax and for Lake County to pass a 5% innkeepers tax. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026

Vermont Inn-to-Inn — A 40-plus-mile circle route through southern Vermont with 4 days of walking, daily distances of 7 to 13 miles, gourmet breakfasts and specialty dinners prepared by innkeepers. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

Daily walks run 7 to 13 miles, bags are transferred inn to inn, and innkeepers prepare specialty evening meals. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

And thanks to a new crop of boutique hotels in the area, there’s no shortage of places to stay, where innkeepers go above and beyond to make your experience feel like something special. —Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

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