play host to

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

Leaguewide opening day is scheduled for March 25, when the Cubs will play host to the Guardians at Wrigley Field. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

In Citrus County, where a small town was slated to play host to Florida’s first hyperscale data center, opponents of the project packed the commission and exceeded its overflow room, the Tampa Bay Times reported. — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

The Royals will also play host to opponents on several major holidays. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Spirit can play host to up to 12 guests across its six cabins, with room for nine crew via five cabins, too. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 July 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