Merriam-Webster Word of the Day - Caravansary

WORD OF THE DAY February 24, 2018

caravansary    noun | kair-uh-VAN-suh-ree     Definition   1 : an inn surrounding a court in eastern countries where caravans rest at night   2 : hotel, inn   Scroll down for more about caravansary       WORD GAMES AND QUIZZES: WEEKLY CHALLENGE   February 2018 Words of the Day Quiz   The shortest month deserves a tough quiz.     PLAY NOW     Nailed this quiz? We have plenty more to try!  TAKE ME THERE     Plus:   SEE WHAT LOOKUPS ARE TRENDING NOW!         Did You Know?   In the Middle East of centuries past, caravans often lodged at caravansaries. These inns were quadrangular in form and enclosed by massive walls with small windows near the top. The central court, which was surrounded by an arcade and storerooms, was large enough to hold 300 to 400 camels. The name was formed from the word caravan and the Persian word sarāī, meaning "palace" or "inn." Caravansary can also be spelled caravanserai, and the word serai is used as a synonym for it.     Examples of CARAVANSARY   Most of the area's hotels are on the pricey end of the scale, but there are a few caravansaries for budget travelers.   "In the town of Ishkashim, adjacent to the market, we visited the crumbling remains of a sixth-century caravansary—an ancient motel for Silk Road travelers." — Andy Isaacson, The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2009   Test Your Vocabulary   Fill in the blanks to complete a name for a procession of riders, vehicles, etc.: c _ _ al _ _ de.   VIEW THE ANSWER           MERCH     Merriam-Webster Swag!   Show off your smarts with M-W gear   CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION

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