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

Best of all, innkeepers Bob and Denise Barbier bring the experience to life with warm hospitality and a wealth of local knowledge, making a stay here truly feel like the best of both worlds. —Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

On Tsuge’s page, that story concerns a male manga artist in search of inspiration, traveling to a remote village and staying with an eccentric innkeeper (barely) operating a business on its outskirts. —Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2025

Checking into 86 State Circle is like visiting a friend's home—there’s no front desk (the innkeeper greets you upon arrival) and no keys (guests are given a code to access their room). —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2025

Gothic revival Owners: Mark Lansing and Jeremy Couture, who are the innkeepers of the property. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 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