Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Sense: 1-3, 6
Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: hoste 'host, guest', from Latin hospes, probably from hostis; HOSTILE
Sense: 4
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: Latin hostis; HOSTILE
Sense: 5
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: hoiste, from Latin hostia 'sacrifice'

host

1 noun
     
Related topics: Television and Radio, Biology
host1 W3 [countable]
1

at a party

someone at a party, meal etc who has invited the guests and who provides the food, drink etc [↪ hostess]:
Our host greeted us at the door.
2

on television/radio

AMT someone who introduces and talks to the guests on a television or radio programme [= compère British English]
a game show host
3

country/city

a country, city, or organization that provides the necessary space, equipment etc for a special event
host country/government/city etc
the host city for the next Olympic Games
play host (to something) (=provide the place, food etc for a special meeting or event)
The gallery is playing host to an exhibition of sculpture.
4

a (whole) host of people/things

a large number of people or things:
A host of showbusiness celebrities have pledged their support.
5

in church

the Host

technicalRRC the bread that is used in the Christian ceremony of Communion
6

animal/plant

technical an animal or plant on which a smaller animal or plant is living as a parasite
WORD FOCUS: restaurant WORD FOCUS: restaurant
the person who serves you in a restaurant: waiter, waitress, server American English, waitperson American English
the person who cooks your food: chef
the person who welcomes the guests: maitre d', host/hostess American English
a list of the food: menu also bill of fare formal
a list of wines and alcoholic drinks: wine list also drink list American English
a piece of paper that shows the amount you have to pay for your meal: bill British English/check American English
extra money you leave for the waiter or waitress: tip/gratuity formal
money that the restaurant charges for service: service charge, cover charge, corkagerestaurant

➔ See also restaurant
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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