open house

noun

1. a party or reception during which anyone who wishes may visit to share in a celebration, meet a special guest, etc.

2. a time during which a school, institution, etc., is open to the public for exhibition or for some specific occasion.

3. a house hospitably open to all friends who may wish to visit it.

open house

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): open day.  at-home. an occasion on which an institution, such as a school, is open for inspection by the public

2. to be always ready to provide hospitality

3. a house available for inspection by prospective buyers

Word History and Origins

Origin of open house¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. keep open house, to be prepared to entertain visitors at any time.

   They keep open house for artists and writers.