Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hotel employee who assists guests with luggage and performs errands: A "bellman" is a person, typically working in a hotel, whose duties include carrying guests' luggage, delivering messages, and performing other small tasks or errands for guests and staff.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The bellman helped us with our suitcases when we arrived at the hotel.
  • Please ask the bellman to bring some extra towels to room 305.
  • He worked his way through college as a bellman at a downtown hotel.

Advanced Usage

• "Bellman's call": A historical term referring to a town crier's announcement. While the modern hotel "bellman" is distinct, the term shares an etymological root with individuals who used bells to attract attention for announcements.
  • In the 18th century, you would hear the bellman's call in the town square.

Variants and Related Words

• Bellhop (n): A more informal synonym for "bellman," commonly used in American English.
  • The bellhop brought our bags up to the room.
• Porter (n): A broader term for a person employed to carry luggage, often used in contexts like hotels, airports, or train stations.
  • We tipped the airport porter for his help.

Synonyms

• Bellhop: A hotel attendant who carries luggage.
• Porter: A person employed to carry luggage and supplies.
• Baggage handler: A person who loads, unloads, and handles luggage, though typically at airports rather than inside hotels.

Related Phrases

• To ring for the bellman: To call for the bellman's service, traditionally by ringing a bell at the front desk.
  • If you need help with your luggage, you can ring for the bellman.

Noun

1. someone employed as an errand boy and luggage carrier around hotels