hospitality

noun

hos·pi·tal·i·ty | \ ˌhä-spə-ˈta-lə-tē

plural hospitalities

Definition of hospitality

1 : hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition thanked our hosts for their hospitality

2 : the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. —usually used before another noun a hospitality suiteValet parking may be the most commonplace, least understood corner of the hospitality industry.— Bruce Feiler… has turned the hospitality business upside down with his far-out hotel designs …— Robert Herzbrun

Examples of hospitality in a Sentence

It was refreshing to be met with such hospitality after our long journey.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cupples said the event was a positive experience, both for the Houston area teams able to compete closer to home in front of more fans, and for visiting teams, noting the feedback regarding hospitality in Katy. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Showcase, local gymnasts shine at Gymnastics For All National Championships," 24 June 2019 The leisure and hospitality industry shed 1,600 positions over the month. — Lynn Brezosky, ExpressNews.com, "Texas’ May unemployment rate lowest on record," 21 June 2019 That is why an alternative solution has been discussed by members of the cannabis hospitality industry. — Billy Lyons, Fortune, "How to Eat, Drink, and Appreciate Cannabis at Restaurants," 15 June 2019 Another reason why support that’s specifically tailored to the hospitality industry is important is proximity. — Amy Scattergood, San Diego Union-Tribune, "How the restaurant industry is tackling its substance abuse problem," 6 June 2019 This was a demonstration of solidarity from the Colorado hospitality industry’s support of women’s rights, reproductive rights and fundamental human rights. — Josie Sexton, The Denver Post, "Denver chefs raise $25,000 for Planned Parenthood with bake sale," 3 June 2019 With the right online resources, booking ahead is an easy and reliable way to ensure your trip is organized and takes full advantage of Europe’s warm hospitality. — Rick Steves' Europe, The Seattle Times, "Book smart when looking for lodging in Europe," 25 Sep. 2018 But for the 2016 games, the Republic of Abkhazia, a breakaway region in Georgia, rolled out lavish hospitality. — New York Times, "In Alternative World Cup for Would-be Nations, Karpatalya Beats North Cyprus," 9 June 2018 But since 1874, the event has been held as a way for the president and first lady to honor and extend hospitality to a head of state as part of an official visit the United States. — Julissa Treviño, Smithsonian, "A Brief History of State Dinners," 25 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hospitality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for hospitality

Middle English hospitalite "reception of guests, provision of lodging," borrowed from Anglo-French hospitalité, borrowed from Latin hospitālitāt-, hospitālitās "entertainment of guests," from Latin hospitālis "of a guest, of hospitality, hospitable" (from hospit-, hospes "guest, host" + -ālis -al entry 1) + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at host entry 3