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• host
  host

  noun

  a person who receives or entertains guests at home or elsewhere.
• Host
  Host

  noun

  the bread or wafer consecrated in the celebration of the Eucharist.

host

¹ American  

[hohst] / hoʊst /

noun

1. a person who receives or entertains guests at home or elsewhere.

   Who was the host at last night's dinner party?

2. a master of ceremonies, moderator, or interviewer for a television or radio program, podcast, online chat space, or the like.

3. a city, country, company, or the like that provides services and resources for a convention or sporting event, visiting personnel, etc..

   Our city is proposing to serve as host for the Winter Olympics.

4. the owner or manager of an inn, bed-and-breakfast, restaurant, etc.

5. Computers, Digital Technology.

   1. Also called host computer.  a computer, often a mainframe, that stores, maintains, or controls access to a database, application, printer, etc., for other computers through a network connection; server.

      The new data should be rapidly uploadable from the terminal to the host.

   2. an organization that maintains, controls, or provides access to a website, email service, etc., via the internet.

   3. someone who initiates a computer game, videoconference, or the like on their computer or device, inviting and allowing others to participate on their own devices and sometimes controlling certain aspects of the event.

      Once you’ve logged in to the meeting with the password, wait for the host to admit you.

6. Biology. a living organism that is the source of nutrition for a parasite or that is the dominant partner in a symbiotic relationship with another organism.

   The virus uses the host’s cellular machinery for several steps of its life cycle.

7. Surgery. the recipient of a graft or of a transplanted organ, tissue, etc.

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adjective

1. relating to or being a city, country, company, or the like that provides services and resources for a convention or sporting event, visiting personnel, etc..

   International aid organizations must follow the laws and advisories of each host country where they work.

2. Computers, Digital Technology. relating to or being a computer that stores, maintains, or controls access to a database, application, printer, etc., for other computers through a network connection.

   The host PC runs the company’s documentation software, but employees can download and upload the files from their own computers.

3. Biology. relating to or being a living organism that is the source of nutrition for a parasite or that is the dominant partner in a symbiotic relationship with another organism.

   Exposure to altitude may disrupt the symbiosis between the host animal and its normal intestinal flora.

verb (used with object)

• hosts,
  present (3rd person singular)
• hosted,
  past participle,  past
• hosting
  present participle

1. to provide or arrange the venue for or receive guests at (a dinner, reception, etc.).

   He hosted a reception for new members.

2. to receive and entertain (one or more guests).

   The vice president hosted the foreign dignitaries during their visit.

3. to act as master of ceremonies, moderator, or interviewer for.

   She hosts a popular talk show.

4. Computers, Digital Technology.

   1. (of a computer) to store, maintain, or control (a database, application, printer, etc.) to which other computers have access through a network connection.

      The office server hosts the entire integrated sales and inventory system for all the workstations.

   2. to maintain or control and provide access to (a website, email service, etc.) via the internet.

      Who hosts your website, and how much do they charge?

   3. to initiate (a computer game, videoconference, or the like) on one’s computer or device, inviting and allowing others to participate on their own devices and sometimes controlling certain aspects of the event.

      I'm hosting a multiplayer game tonight if you want to join.

verb (used without object)

• hosts,
  present (3rd person singular)
• hosted,
  past participle,  past
• hosting
  present participle

1. to act as host, as for a social event, radio program, videoconference, etc..

   Last Thanksgiving was at my place, so I think it’s your turn to host this year.

   She won’t be here for our weekly virtual meeting, so I’m hosting instead.

host ² American  

[hohst] / hoʊst /

noun

1. a multitude or great number of persons or things.

   a host of details.

   Synonyms:

   myriad, horde, throng, drove, crowd, swarm

2. an army.

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Host ³ American  

[hohst] / hoʊst /

noun

Ecclesiastical.

1. the bread or wafer consecrated in the celebration of the Eucharist.

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host ¹ British  

/ həʊst /

noun

1. a great number; multitude

2. an archaic word for army

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Host ² British  

/ həʊst /

noun

1. the bread consecrated in the Eucharist

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host ³ British  

/ həʊst /

noun

1. a person who receives or entertains guests, esp in his own home

2. 1. a country or organization which provides facilities for and receives visitors to an event

   2. ( as modifier )

      the host nation

3. the compere of a show or television programme

4. biology

   1. an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite

   2. an animal, esp an embryo, into which tissue is experimentally grafted

5. computing a computer connected to a network and providing facilities to other computers and their users

6. the owner or manager of an inn

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verb

1. to be the host of (a party, programme, etc)

   to host one's own show

2. informal (tr) to leave (a restaurant) without paying the bill

host Scientific  

/ hōst /

1. 1. The larger of two organisms in a symbiotic relationship.

   2. An organism or cell on or in which a parasite lives or feeds. ◆ A definitive host is an organism in which a parasite reaches sexual maturity. The anopheles mosquito is the definitive host for the malaria plasmodium because, while the mosquito is not adversely affected by the plasmodium's presence, it is the organism in which the plasmodium matures and reproduces. ◆ An intermediate host is an organism in which a parasite develops but does not attain sexual maturity. Humans and certain other vertebrates are the intermediate host of the malaria plasmodium. ◆ A paratenic host is an organism which may be required for the completion of a parasite's life cycle but in which no development of the parasite occurs. The unhatched eggs of nematodes are sometimes carried in a paratenic host such as a bird or rodent. When a predator eats the paratenic host, the eggs are ingested as well.

2. The recipient of a transplanted tissue or organ.

3. A computer containing data or programs that another computer can access by means of a network or modem.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• hostship
  noun
• hostless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Participles

• hosting
  present
• hosted
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• host
  simple
• hosts
  simple
• have hosted
  perfect
• has hosted
  perfect
• am hosting
  progressive
• are hosting
  progressive
• is hosting
  progressive
• have been hosting
  perfect progressive
• has been hosting
  perfect progressive

Past

• hosted
  simple
• had hosted
  perfect
• was hosting
  progressive
• were hosting
  progressive
• had been hosting
  perfect progressive

Future

• will host
  simple
• will have hosted
  perfect
• will be hosting
  progressive
• will have been hosting
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of host¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun (h)oste, ost(e), from Old French (h)oste, from Latin hospit-, stem of hospes “host, guest, stranger,” perhaps from hosti-pot(i)s or hos-pot(i)s (unrecorded) “one granting hospitality, one in charge of guests,” from hostis “foreigner, stranger, enemy” + -pot(is), suffix akin to adjective potis “having the power to” ( see potent ¹); see also hospodar ( def. )

Origin of host²

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (h)oste, ost(e), from Old French, from Latin hostis “stranger, enemy”; akin to guest; cf. host ¹ ( def. )

Origin of Host³

1275–1325; Middle English hoste < Late Latin hostia Eucharistic wafer ( Latin: victim, sacrifice); replacing Middle English oyst < Middle French oiste < Late Latin, as above

Explanation

If you've invited people over, offered to entertain, or let someone crash on your couch, then you're a host. Throw a fabulous party and you’ll be everyone’s favorite host. Do it when you're also hosting pneumonia germs, and your guests won't be so grateful. The noun host refers to a person who receives and entertains guests. But hosting also has an ickier side: In biology, a host is an animal, plant or person that provides a home for another organism — like a parasite. Host also functions as a noun, meaning a multitude, horde, or great number. As in, "You will pick up a host of funky germs from drinking the water in rural India."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

host Host hosts hosted hosting

“The View” host Joy Behar has officially offloaded her longtime Hamptons home for $5.65 million—more than $5 million below her original asking price.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026

Construction, which began five years ago, is being led by a state-owned South Korean company with financing from a host of international banks, including the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

When an ambassador is summoned, it typically means they are being called for a formal meeting, where the host country will express displeasure over their government's actions.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

It is the most attention a California gubernatorial contest has drawn since 2010, when “Today” show host Matt Lauer and NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd moderated nationally televised clashes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Throughout the United States, people who are newly released from prison are required to make payments to a host of agencies, including probation departments, courts, and child-support enforcement offices.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Host President Emmanuel Macron wants to advance a packed agenda of sensitive topics ranging from limiting global economic imbalances to increasing control in the digital sphere, notably AI.

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

Host Hotels & Resorts, which has properties in 10 U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026

Cauich: Host nations have a history of overachieving, and this World Cup likely will be no different.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 7, 2026

Before quickly clarifying: "Well, the intro to Talk Show Host."

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

His face bathed in tears, all of his arrogant de-fenses gone, he said: “Sometime, Father, when you say Mass, will you take the white Host for Christophe?”

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin

But the blowback has only catapulted in the era of social media, where millions of viewers from across the globe can drag award show hosts for filth in real time.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

It was first held in 1986 and now hosts tens of thousands of people.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Known for its buzzing commercial and entertainment district, the ward hosts nearly 10 percent of Japan's 42,000 short-term rentals.

From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026

The organisation hosts a music festival, Greenaway Live, at Crawley Rugby Club from 15:00 BST on Saturday, with ticket sales helping fund its work for families struggling financially.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026

The two familiar hosts were in an animated discussion about Eurovision, and he might have turned it off if not for the girl he saw sitting beside them.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

"It's going to be different, but the one thing I'd say is his golf resorts have hosted PGA Tour events, European Tour events, LIV events," McIlroy told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

"It's going to be different, but the one thing I'd say is his golf resorts have hosted PGA Tour events, European Tour events, LIV events," McIlroy told the BBC.

From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026

Ricky Gervais, who hosted the Globes in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2020, is a prime example.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

On Sunday, the Television Academy hosted the second night of Emmy ceremonies, where guest actor awards were among those announced.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2026

For attending Shabbos dinners and banquets hosted by the burial society, I had acquired a secondhand dress coat.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Tension between comics hosting award shows and audiences isn’t particularly new, though; it’s been mounting for decades.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

The Chargers — who open the season by hosting the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 13 — haven’t won a playoff game since 2018.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026

The currency is taste: Williamsburg effectively costs the same as Manhattan prices, but there is a thrill in living in a space that has been so famously known for hosting so many interesting people before.

From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2026

But Airlink will not be repeating the flights over the stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, that is hosting the third and deciding test between the Springboks and the All Blacks, according to SACAA.

From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026

If there were etiquette guidelines for hosting goddesses in one’s dreams, he had never found that book at the Great Library.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

• anchor
• entertainer
• manager
• moderator
• owner
• presenter