hospitable

adjective

hos·​pi·​ta·​ble hä-ˈspi-tə-bəl How to pronounce hospitable (audio) ˈhä-(ˌ)spi- How to pronounce hospitable (audio)
1
a
: given to generous and cordial reception of guests
a kind, hospitable people
they are hospitable … : give a guest everything, and leave him free to do as he likesBram Stoker
b
: promising or suggesting generous and friendly welcome
hospitable faces
c
: offering a pleasant or sustaining environment
grows in even the least hospitable climates
2
: readily receptive : open
hospitable to new ideas
hospitably
hä-ˈspi-tə-blē How to pronounce hospitable (audio)
ˈhä-(ˌ)spi-
adverb

Examples of hospitable in a Sentence

The people of that country are very hospitable. It's a hearty plant that grows in even the least hospitable climates. elderly people moving to Florida for its hospitable climate
Recent Examples on the Web Both of these gestures were hospitable and warm—like the man himself. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024 But behind the gaudy job numbers, a labor market that was still soaring a year ago has become less hospitable to job seekers. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Besides, Miss Manners enjoys thinking of a child who is hospitable enough to be concerned about his guests. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Visitors praise the Irish bartenders, the welcoming patio and the hospitable atmosphere, as well as its proximity to SFO for a quick drink coming to or from the airport. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Its rank also stems from the property’s hospitable interiors and unforgettable dining experiences. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Determined to cast a wider net in humanity's search for sustenance, a group of NASA scientists travel to space to investigate three planets that could potentially prove hospitable for humans. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2024 The survey lists Georgia as the most hospitable state, followed by Louisiana and Texas. Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2023 Why did anyone need to be taught how to be hospitable? Priya Krishna, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hospitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin hospitābilis, from hospitāre "to lodge, reside, give lodging to, house" (going back to Latin hospitārī "to put up as a guest, give lodging to," derivative of hospit-, hospes "guest, host") + Latin -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at host entry 1, -able

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hospitable was circa 1570

Dictionary Entries Near hospitable

Cite this Entry

“Hospitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hospitable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hospitable

adjective
hos·​pi·​ta·​ble hä-ˈspit-ə-bəl How to pronounce hospitable (audio) ˈhäs-(ˌ)pit- How to pronounce hospitable (audio)
1
: generous and friendly in entertaining guests
2
a
: pleasant sense 2, inviting
a hospitable inn
b
: offering a pleasant or healthful environment
a hospitable climate
3
: open entry 1 sense 7
hospitable to new ideas
hospitably adverb

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