host
hohst
Host (noun) means a person who welcomes and entertains guests, or who runs an event. Example: “As host of the dinner, he kept everyone's glasses full.”
noun
1
A person who welcomes and entertains guests, or who runs an event.
"As host of the dinner, he kept everyone's glasses full."
"Our host greeted us warmly at the door."
"She was the perfect host, making sure everyone had a drink."
2
A person who presents a show or broadcast.
"The quiz show host made a joke and the audience laughed."
"She became the host of a morning radio programme."
"The talk show host interviewed three guests that night."
3
A computer connected to a network.
"Each host on the network needs its own unique address."
"The technician restarted the host after the connection dropped."
"The application connects to a remote host over the internet."
4
An organism that another organism, especially a parasite, lives on or in.
"The flea jumped from its host to a new animal."
"Some fungi grow on a tree, which acts as their host."
"The tapeworm depends entirely on its host for nutrients."
5
A large number of people or things.
"A host of butterflies rose from the meadow as we walked."
"The new phone comes with a host of useful extras."
"She faced a whole host of problems on her first day."
verb
1
To act as host for an event or show.
"Our town will host the regional choir competition in the hall."
"They agreed to host the wedding at their farm."
"He hosts a weekly podcast about true crime."
How to use host
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who welcomes guests or runs an event or show, an organism that carries another, a networked computer, or a large number of something.
Common pairings
host a party
host country
a host of options
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Word forms
- Plural
- hosts
- Third person singular
- hosts
- Past tense
- hosted
Fill the gap
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As _____ of the dinner, he kept everyone's glasses full.
Etymology
From Old French oste, from Latin hospes, which strangely covered both "guest" and "host" — ultimately from a root meaning "stranger."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for host
See all rhymes for 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."
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