play host to

idiomatic phrase

: to serve as a host for (someone or something)

Each year, the city plays host to the film festival for one week.

As travel to the Third World has expanded, so, too, has concern about the damage wrought by mass tourism on the people and places that play host to wandering North Americans and Europeans.

—Ira Silver

St. John's meets No. 3-ranked Duke and the Big East rival Miami on the road, and will play host to No. 4 Syracuse, No. 13 Connecticut and surging Seton Hall at the Garden.

—Jon Drape

The grasslands play host to [=provide a home for] long-billed curlews and sage grouse, and eagles, osprey and coyotes scavenge the area.

—Kay Clark

Examples of play host to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As some homes approach and surpass 200-year anniversaries, many still play host to weddings, celebrations and gatherings fit for royalty. —Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

With great views overlooking the course and a pretty fabulous seasonal menu, 19 also plays host to monthly wine dinners that consistently sell out. —Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

The region might not play host to a traditional war, fought with guns, infantry and mass casualties. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026

The Hawks have a quick turnaround, playing host to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday at the United Center, then have games Monday and Wednesday before three weeks off for the Winter Games. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for play host to

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue