boardinghouse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, official/legal
Quick answer
What does “boardinghouse” mean?
A private house where paying guests are provided with meals and accommodation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A private house where paying guests are provided with meals and accommodation.
An establishment offering room and board, typically run as a business; historically, a common form of urban housing before widespread apartments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Hyphenation is more common in BrE ('boarding-house'). The term is somewhat dated in both varieties but remains in use, especially in legal, historical, or certain travel contexts. 'Guest house' or 'B&B' (bed and breakfast) is more common for a small, family-run establishment in the UK.
Connotations
In AmE, it can strongly evoke 19th/early 20th century urban living (e.g., in New York). In both, it may imply less privacy and more shared facilities than a modern apartment.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency. More likely found in period literature, historical discussions, or specific zoning laws than in everyday conversation about modern accommodation.
Grammar
How to Use “boardinghouse” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT: Owner] runs a boardinghouse [OBJECT: for students].[SUBJECT: Traveller] stayed at a boardinghouse [LOCATION: in the old quarter].The boardinghouse provides [BENEFACTIVE: its guests] with [THEME: meals and a room].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boardinghouse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The landlady used to board students in her large Victorian home.
- He was boarded out with a local family.
American English
- She boards international students during the school year.
- The rescued animals were boarded at the vet's clinic.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable for 'boardinghouse'. Related: 'He lives in, boarding with the family.'
American English
- Not applicable for 'boardinghouse'. Related: 'She takes in students, boarding them by the semester.'
adjective
British English
- The boarding-house rules were strict about noise after 10 pm.
- He paid a weekly boarding rate.
American English
- The city has specific boardinghouse regulations.
- She looked for a boarding situation near the university.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in property zoning, licensing, and historical business models.
Academic
Appears in historical, sociological, and urban studies texts discussing housing.
Everyday
Rare in modern conversation; might be used when describing historical settings or very specific, old-fashioned accommodations.
Technical
A defined term in some municipal codes for a type of multi-tenant residential building.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boardinghouse”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boardinghouse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boardinghouse”
- Spelling: 'boarding house' (two words) is common but the standard is one word or hyphenated. | Using it interchangeably with 'hostel' (which is cheaper, often dorm-style). | Using it for a modern short-term rental like an Airbnb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A boardinghouse typically offers longer-term stays, has a more homely atmosphere, often includes meals in the common dining area, and usually has fewer amenities (no daily maid service, concierge, etc.) than a hotel.
A B&B is usually smaller, more tourist-oriented, and often a family home with a few guest rooms. A boardinghouse is often larger, may cater to longer-term residents (weeks/months), and can feel more institutional. The terms sometimes overlap, but 'B&B' is more modern and marketable.
Changes in housing (more apartments), travel (more hotels/motels), and regulations have made the traditional boardinghouse model less prevalent. The concept survives in forms like 'rooming houses,' 'guest houses,' and modern 'co-living' spaces.
Both 'boardinghouse' (one word, common in AmE) and 'boarding-house' (hyphenated, common in BrE) are standard. 'Boarding house' as two words is widely seen but considered less correct by major dictionaries.
A private house where paying guests are provided with meals and accommodation.
Boardinghouse is usually formal, historical, official/legal in register.
Boardinghouse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːdɪŋhaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːrdɪŋhaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Board' as in 'room and board' is the core concept. No specific idiom for 'boardinghouse' itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOUSE where you pay to BOARD (get meals and a room). It boards people.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOUSE AS A COMMERCIAL CONTAINER (it contains paying guests as commodities).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST characteristic feature of a traditional boardinghouse?