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” ( 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

Although some people still viewed Algeria "through the lens of the 'dark years'," Leo's visit will allow the world to see "the hospitality and generosity of the Algerian people," said Wekesa.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The gnomes first went up for sale in 2016 at Berckman’s Place, the Masters’ ultra-luxe hospitality setup, and since 2018 they’ve been available in the main gift shop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Blank Street has spent several years refining its menu, sharpening its brand identity and developing a hospitality experience that can be scaled, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

In the UK, VAT is charged at 20% compared to 13.5% in Ireland, and that gap is set to widen with the rate for food-led hospitality dropping to 9% in the summer.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

But the Alexandrines outdid even my rosy expectations of hospitality and courtesy.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

Related Words

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