How Do You Spell CARAVANSARY?

Pronunciation: [kˈaɹɐvˌansəɹi] (IPA)

Caravansary can be a tricky word to spell, but with a little guidance, it's possible to get it right. The word is spelled /ˌkærəˈvænsəri/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the second syllable. It is derived from the Persian word "caravan sarai," which refers to a roadside inn or rest stop for travelers. The word may be spelled with a single "s" or double "ss" depending on the preferred spelling style, but both spellings are correct. Remembering the origin of the word can also help with its correct spelling.

CARAVANSARY Meaning and Definition

1. A caravansary is a noun referring to an inn or a resting place specifically built for caravans, travelers, and their animals. Also known as a caravanserai or a khan, it is typically found along a trade route or in areas with long-distance travel. The term caravansary originates from the Persian word "karwan sarai" or "caravanserai," which literally translates to "caravan palace" or "caravan dwelling."

   These structures were widespread in the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa during ancient times, serving as vital commercial hubs and providing amenities and overnight accommodations for merchants, travelers, and their animals. Caravansaries were often built as fortified brick or stone buildings, typically comprising a central courtyard surrounded by rooms or chambers. These chambers provided secure spaces where merchants could store their goods, and travelers could rest, eat, and socialize. Caravansaries were equipped with basic facilities such as stables, wells or water reservoirs, kitchens, and often had guards or caretakers to ensure safety and security.

   Caravansaries played a crucial role in facilitating long-distance trade and cultural exchange, as they offered respite, shelter, and a meeting place for people of diverse backgrounds. Today, while the traditional caravansaries may have diminished, the concept lives on in various forms as roadside motels, inns, or rest stops catering to travelers along highways and major routes.

2. A station for unloading the camels and beasts of burden for the night.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CARAVANSARY

• xaravansary
• varavansary
• faravansary
• daravansary
• czravansary
• csravansary
• cwravansary
• cqravansary
• caeavansary
• cadavansary
• cafavansary
• catavansary
• ca5avansary
• ca4avansary
• carzvansary
• carsvansary
• carwvansary
• carqvansary
• caracansary
• caravansaery
• carvansary
• caravensary
• Caravansara
• Caravansere
• Caravansarae
• caravansaray
• caravensery

Etymology of CARAVANSARY

The word "caravansary" comes from the Persian word "karwansaray" which is a compound of "karwan" meaning "caravan" and "saray" meaning "palace" or "house". This word originated during the Medieval period to describe a type of roadside inn or rest station for caravans traveling along the Silk Road. Over time, it was adopted into other languages, including English, and came to refer to any type of large inn or hotel that provided accommodation and services for travelers.

Similar spelling words for CARAVANSARY

• caravan inn,
• caravanserai,
• caravanning.

Plural form of CARAVANSARY is CARAVANSARIES