motel
UK[məʊˈtel]US[moʊˈtel]
n
A hotel for motorists, typically having rooms arranged in low blocks with parking directly outside.
Morpheme Breakdown
motor
hotel
motor
hotel
Etymology
The word 'motel' is a classic 20th-century American portmanteau, a blend of the first three letters of 'motor' and the last three letters of 'hotel'. It was coined in the 1920s to describe a new type of accommodation designed for the burgeoning automobile culture, where travelers could drive directly to their room. The term efficiently captures its core function: a hotel catering specifically to motorists. This blend word reflects a modern pattern of word formation, creating a concise label for a novel concept by fusing elements of two existing words.
Analysis
Structure: motor + hotel
- motor (Latin): A root meaning "mover" or "that which imparts motion," referring to an engine or automobile.
- hotel (French, from Latin): A building providing lodging for travelers.
Examples
We decided to stop at a roadside motel for the night.
The old motel had a vintage neon sign that glowed brightly.
They offer a simple breakfast included with your motel room.