hostess

1 of 2

noun

host·​ess ˈhō-stəs 

1

: a woman who entertains socially

2

a

: a woman in charge of a public dining room who seats diners

b

: a female employee on a public conveyance (such as an airplane) who manages the provisioning of food and attends passengers

c

: a woman who acts as a partner or companion to male patrons in a dance hall or bar

hostess

2 of 2

verb

hostessed; hostessing; hostesses

intransitive verb

: to act as hostess

transitive verb

: to serve as hostess to

Examples of hostess in a Sentence

Noun

We were greeted by our hostess.

She's the hostess of a popular talk show.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Picnic-ready and portable, these chic cans make for a delightful hostess gift and come in four flavors: Ghia Soda (the original, and frankly, the best—a citrusy, bitter aperitivo), Ghia Ginger, Lime & Salt, and Sumac & Chili. —Sophie Dodd, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024

Don’t rule out regifting if, say, someone gave you a set of tea towels as a hostess gift that wasn’t your style. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Verb

It’s always been a dream of mine to become a regular at a restaurant—to know the menu inside and out, to be greeted by the host and hostess with a recognizable smile, and maybe even earn a complimentary starter or dessert. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Dec. 2024

After all, arriving with a thoughtful gift is the perfect way to say thank you to the host or hostess for their invitation. —Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English hostesse, ostesse "woman who receives guests, female innkeeper," borrowed from Anglo-French, from oste, hoste "host, guest" + -esse -ess — more at host entry 1

Verb

derivative of hostess entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1927, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing hostess

• air hostess
• co-hostess
• hostess with the mostest

Kids Definition

hostess

noun

host·​ess

ˈhō-stəs

: a woman who acts as host

especially : one who greets and provides service for diners in a restaurant or passengers on an airplane or ship

hostess verb