host
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for host, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who welcomes and entertains guests, or who runs an event.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use host
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French oste, from Latin hospes, which strangely covered both "guest" and "host" — ultimately from a root meaning "stranger."
Full origin of host →Frequently asked questions
What does “host” mean?
The word “host” means a person who welcomes and entertains guests, or who runs an event. In plain terms, someone who welcomes guests or runs an event or show, an organism that carries another, a networked computer, or a large number of something.
How do you pronounce “host”?
“Host” is pronounced hohst (/hoʊst/ in IPA).
How do you use “host” in a sentence?
Here is “host” used in a sentence: “Our host greeted us warmly at the door.”
What part of speech is “host”?
Depending on how it is used, “host” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “host” come from?
The word “host” comes from Latin. From Old French oste, from Latin hospes, which strangely covered both "guest" and "host" — ultimately from a root meaning "stranger.".
Is “host” a common word?
“Host” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “host” have?
“Host” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who welcomes and entertains guests, or who runs an event.
What is the difference between a host and a guest?
They are two sides of the same occasion. The host is the one who invites, welcomes, and looks after others, providing the place, food, or entertainment. The guest is the person received and looked after. The host gives hospitality; the guest receives it. A good host puts every guest at ease.
What is the female form of host?
The traditional female form is "hostess," long used for a woman entertaining guests or serving on a flight or in a restaurant. Today "host" is increasingly used for anyone regardless of gender, so a woman running a party or a show may simply be called the host.
What are the other meanings of host?
Besides someone entertaining guests, "host" has several senses. In biology, a host is an organism on which a parasite lives. In computing, a host is a computer that stores or serves data. And "a host of" something means a great number, as in "a host of problems."