hostess

1 of 2

noun

host·​ess ˈhō-stəs How to pronounce hostess (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Weezie Guest Towel Tray Set This set from Weezie makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Amanda Lauren, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 Guests may sample two teas as hostesses dressed in Victorian clothing describe the history of tea and offer instruction on tea etiquette. Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
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 See all Example Sentences for hostess 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hostess was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hostess

Cite this Entry

“Hostess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hostess. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!