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

Her great-grandparents, innkeepers in modern-day Belarus, were massacred by the Nazis along with most of their town. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 18 June 2026

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

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