hospitality

[ hos-pi-tal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural hos·pi·tal·i·ties.

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.

hospitality

/ ˌhɒspɪˈtælɪtɪ /

noun

1. kindness in welcoming strangers or guests
2. receptiveness

Word History and Origins

Origin of hospitality¹

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

Example Sentences

But concerns have been loudest among retailers and hospitality businesses, where many young people find their first jobs.

From BBC

In a letter with over 200 signatories, hospitality bosses last week told the chancellor the industry was disproportionately impacted by the "unsustainable" tax hike.

From BBC

The pub chain boss said that businesses still had not recovered profits fully post-Covid, and that the Budget measures announced cost an "extra £3.5bn" for the hospitality sector.

From BBC

She said high staff turnover in the hospitality industry could make consistent training challenging, but added this was no excuse.

From BBC

The practice was initially met with resistance because of its feudal undertones, but eventually it gained traction by the late 19th century, particularly in the hospitality and restaurant industries.

From Salon

Related Words

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