hostess

[ hoh-stis ]

noun

1. a woman who receives and entertains guests in her own home or elsewhere.
2. a woman employed in a restaurant or place of amusement to receive, seat, or assist patrons.
3. a woman who acts as master of ceremonies, moderator, or interviewer for a television or radio program; host.
4. a woman employed by an airline, railroad, bus company, etc., to see that passengers are comfortable throughout a trip, usually receiving and seating them, and sometimes serving them refreshments.
5. a woman who manages a resort or hotel or who directs its social activities.
6. taxi dancer.

verb (used with object)

1. to be the hostess at (a reception, dinner, etc.):

   She will hostess a shower for the new bride.

2. to act as hostess at, to, or for:

   She volunteered to hostess the garden club next season.

verb (used without object)

1. to perform the duties or functions of a hostess.

hostess

/ ˈhəʊstɪs /

noun

1. a woman acting as host
2. a woman who receives and entertains patrons of a club, restaurant, etc
3. See air hostess

Gender Note

See -ess.

Other Words From

• hostess-ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hostess¹

1250–1300; Middle English ( h ) ostesse < Old French. See host ¹, -ess

Example Sentences

As a Washington hostess, the spirited Ethel was known for her pranks, especially pool dunkings of well-heeled guests.

From Los Angeles Times

What is a product recommendation Instagrammer if not a Tupperware party hostess for the digital age?

From Slate

Laugh Factory hostess Carmella Rogers said she insisted on working that Wednesday night after finding out about the show, because “I wouldn’t have to mask as I normally would” to appear neurotypical to showgoers.

From Los Angeles Times

Back at Sieck’s condo with breathtaking views of the bay and city skyline, the hostess teared up recalling her experience at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month.

From Los Angeles Times

Zoe was working as a hostess in a D.C. restaurant where he was working as a server.

From Los Angeles Times