motel

noun

mo·​tel mō-ˈtel How to pronounce motel (audio)
Synonyms of motelnext
: an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area

Examples of motel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Officials said the three victims became trapped inside one of the motel rooms as the fire spread. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Yet by the time the highway’s motels, diners, auto repair shops and gas stations were open to all travelers, Route 66’s downturn had already begun. — Daniel Milowski, The Conversation, 29 June 2026 About $410 million went toward interim housing, such as tiny homes or motels, and $323 million for permanent housing. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Authorities are investigating a fire outside a Wilmington motel Friday night that may have been ignited by fireworks. — Jasmine Mendez follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for motel

Word History

Etymology

blend of motor and hotel

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motel was in 1925

Rhymes for motel

See All Rhymes for motel

Browse Nearby Words

moted
motel
motet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

motel

noun
mo·​tel mō-ˈtel How to pronounce motel (audio)
: a building or group of buildings which provide lodgings and in which the rooms are usually reached directly from an outdoor parking lot

More from Merriam-Webster on motel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for motel

Nglish: Translation of motel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motel

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