hospitality

American  

[hos-pi-tal-i-tee] / ˌhɒs pɪˈtæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

hospitalities

1. the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.

   Hospitality at the hotel is fantastic, with staff who offered us refreshing drinks and comfortable chairs while we waited to check in.

2. the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.

   In many cultures, hospitality plays a significant role in social interactions, as individuals are often judged by their ability to extend kindness and generosity toward others.

   Synonyms:

   friendliness, geniality, cordiality, warmth

3. the business or act of providing accommodation, food, drink, and other services to guests (often used attributively).

   She has held several executive-level positions in hospitality.

   This course will appeal to students who want to make a career for themselves in the hospitality industry.

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hospitality British  

/ ˌhɒspɪˈtælɪtɪ /

noun

1. kindness in welcoming strangers or guests

2. receptiveness

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Etymology

Origin of hospitality

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English hospitalite, from Middle French, from Latin hospitālitās, from hospitāli(s) “of a guest, hospitable” ( see hospital) + -tās -ty ²

Explanation

A reputation for hospitality means you're known for being kind and welcoming to visitors, which may also mean that you always have a full house at Thanksgiving. Hospitalitem is a Latin word meaning "friendliness to guests," so it's not hard to see where the word hospitality comes from. Showing hospitality involves making others feel comfortable and welcome in your home. If you're grumpy and prefer to be left alone, this word probably won't ever be used to describe you, nor are you likely headed for a career in the hospitality industry.

Example Sentences

“This is more about bringing Shake Shack customers back” to try something new, said Izzy Kharasch, president of Hospitality Works, a Chicago-based restaurant-consulting firm.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

“When there’s a shortage somewhere, everything is affected,” said Alan Fyall, an associate dean of the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Ten years later, Ashford Hospitality spun out its best properties as a separate REIT, ultimately called Braemar.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Hospitality businesses on islands or in specific remote locations can also get 100% rates relief, capped at £110,000 per year.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Two reasons. One, if you’re on my side, your flagrant plagiarism remains our dirty little secret. Two, I know what to do with that silhouette card you just found in the Hoosier Hospitality book.”

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• accommodation
• companionship
• friendliness
• generosity
• reception
• warmth