Host
hoʊst
Definitions
5 meaningsA person who receives or entertains other people as guests.
hoʊst
She was a gracious host and made sure everyone had enough to eat.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend's having a party. The host is the one who invited everyone, provides the food, and makes sure everyone's having fun!
👶 For kids: A host is someone who invites people to their home or a party!
More Examples
The host of the event gave a brief welcome speech.
How It's Used
"The host welcomed everyone with a warm smile."
"The host of the talk show interviewed several celebrities."
A person who introduces guests or performers at a party or show.
hoʊst
A person who introduces guests and performers at a party or show.
The host of the awards ceremony kept the show moving.
💡 Simply: Like the person on a game show who tells you about the prizes and introduces the contestants.
👶 For kids: The person who tells you about the people or things in a show or party.
More Examples
He was a very engaging host, keeping the audience entertained.
How It's Used
"The host announced the next performer on stage."
"The host of the news program provided updates on current events."
A large number or quantity.
hoʊst
A host of volunteers helped with the cleanup effort.
💡 Simply: It's like a HUGE group or a lot of something. Imagine a host of butterflies in the garden.
👶 For kids: A whole bunch of things or people together!
More Examples
The company received a host of applications for the open position.
How It's Used
"A host of problems arose during the project."
"A host of angels descended from heaven."
To receive or entertain guests.
hoʊst
We will host a barbecue this weekend.
💡 Simply: When you're the one throwing the party, you're hosting it! You're in charge of making sure everyone has a good time.
👶 For kids: To have people over to your house or a party!
More Examples
The museum hosted a special exhibit on ancient artifacts.
How It's Used
"They hosted a dinner party for their friends."
"The city will host the international conference."
To be the place where an event happens or to have a website stored in a place.
hoʊst
To be the place where an event happens.
The city will host the Olympics next year.
💡 Simply: Like when a school is hosting a fair, it's the place where the fair happens! Or, it can refer to having a website on a server.
👶 For kids: To be the place where something happens.
More Examples
This website is hosted on a secure server.
How It's Used
"The stadium hosted the championship game."
"The website is hosted on a remote server."
Synonyms
Entertainer
Emcee
Army
Crowd
Accommodate
Entertain
Hold
Idioms & expressions
host a meeting
To organize and conduct a meeting.
"The manager will host a meeting to discuss the project's progress."
host a website
To provide the infrastructure for a website to be accessible online.
"We need to find a reliable company to host our new website."
From Old French *hoste* (masculine) and *hostesse* (feminine), from Latin *hospes* meaning 'guest, host'. The meaning shifted over time to include 'one who entertains guests' and 'a large number'.
The term 'host' as a person providing lodging or entertainment dates back to the Middle Ages. 'Host' meaning a multitude emerged later.
Memory tip
Think of a person opening their home (or a venue) to welcome guests.