dry lodging

A traveler books a week of dry lodging at a small inn.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable):
   • Accommodation without meals: "dry lodging" refers to a type of lodging or rented accommodation where the tenant pays only for the room or sleeping space, and does not receive any meals or food service as part of the arrangement. This is distinct from "full board" or "half board" where meals are included.

Usage Examples

• (He rented a room without meals included.)
• (The accommodation provided only a place to sleep, not food.)
• (They choose lodging without meal service.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dry lodging" is primarily a historical or formal term, often used in leases or contracts for boarding houses, inns, or dormitories. It contrasts with "wet lodging" (a rarely used term) or "full board."
  • The contract specified dry lodging only, meaning the tenant was responsible for all food expenses. (The agreement excluded meals.)
• In some contexts, "dry lodging" can also imply that the accommodation does not include water or utilities, though this is less common and depends on regional usage.

Variants and Related Words

• Lodging (n): a place where someone lives temporarily, such as a rented room or house.
  • They found lodging for the night at a nearby inn. (A temporary place to stay.)
• Dry (adj): in this phrase, "dry" means "without" or "lacking" (specifically, lacking meals or food service).
  • The term "dry" here is not about moisture, but about the absence of board or food.

Synonyms

• Room only: accommodation without meals.
  • The hotel offers room only rates. (No meals included.)
• Accommodation only: a general term for lodging without food service.
  • We booked accommodation only for our trip. (We did not pay for meals.)
• Self-catering: a more modern term for lodging where guests prepare their own meals.
  • The apartment is self-catering, with a full kitchen. (Guests cook for themselves.)

Related Idioms

• Board and lodging: a set phrase meaning accommodation with meals included.
  • The job provides board and lodging for the summer. (Both a place to sleep and food.)
• Dry as a bone: an unrelated idiom meaning very dry, but not used for lodging.

Phrasal Verbs

• Lodge with: to stay temporarily in someone else's home or a rented room.
  • He lodged with a family while studying abroad. (He lived in their home as a paying guest.)
• Lodge in: to become fixed or stuck in a place (not directly related to "dry lodging" but useful for understanding the root verb).
  • A piece of food lodged in his throat. (Became stuck.)