a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
"After Sarah invited everyone over for dinner, she acted as the host by serving food and ensuring all the guests were comfortable."
an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite; it does not benefit and is often harmed by the association
"The oak tree served as a reluctant host for countless insects, many of which drained its sap until the branches began to wither."
a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
"The emcee stepped up to the podium to serve as host for the gala, introducing each speaker with a warm welcome before the main event began."
any organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event
"Atlanta was chosen to be host for the Olympic Games"
(medicine) recipient of transplanted tissue or organ from a donor
"After undergoing the heart transplant, Dr. Evans became the primary host for his new organ and required lifelong medication to prevent rejection."
a technical name for the bread used in the service of Mass or Holy Communion
"The priest carefully placed the consecrated host into the communicant's mouth during the final moments of the mass."
One which receives or entertains a guest, socially, commercially, or officially.
"The priest placed the host on the paten before elevating it for the congregation to see."
A multitude of people arrayed as an army; used also in religious senses, as: Heavenly host (of angels)
The consecrated bread or wafer of the Eucharist.
In plain English: A host is a person or group of people who welcome and take care of guests at an event or in their home.
"We invited our friends over for dinner at our house, and we were happy to be hosts again."
Usage: As a noun, host usually refers to a person who entertains guests or provides a venue for an event, rather than the religious term for consecrated bread. Use it to describe someone who welcomes visitors or organizes a gathering in their home or establishment.
To perform the role of a host.
"As the guest speaker arrived, Sarah stepped up to the podium to introduce herself as the event host and welcome everyone."
In plain English: To host means to be responsible for taking care of guests and providing everything they need during a visit.
"We will host a barbecue in our backyard this weekend."
Usage: Use the verb host when you are acting as the person in charge of an event or gathering, such as welcoming guests and managing the proceedings. You can say someone "hosts a party" to indicate they are organizing and leading that specific occasion.
The word "host" comes from the Latin hospes, which originally meant both a guest and a stranger. It entered Middle English via Old French around the 13th century to describe someone who receives or entertains others.