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hostess Definition

host·ess (hōs′tis)

noun

  1. a woman who entertains guests either at home or elsewhere; sometimes, the wife of a host
  2. a woman innkeeper or the wife of an innkeeper
    1. a woman whose work is seeing that guests or travelers are comfortable, as in a lodge
    2. a woman employed in a restaurant to supervise serving, often in charge of reservations and of seating patrons
    3. a woman who serves as a paid partner at a public dance hall

Etymology: ME < OFr hostesse, fem. of hoste, host

intransitive verb, transitive verb

to act as hostess (for)

hostess Synonyms

hostess

n.

  1. A woman who entertains

    society lady, socialite, clubwoman, social leader, social climber, entertainer, lion hunter*, queen bee*; see also host 1.

  2. A woman in charge of public hospitality

    proprietress, innkeeper, concierge, madame, owner, airline hostess, receptionist; see also administrator, host 2.

  3. A woman who hosts visitors

    lady of the house, mistress of the household, toastmistress, mistress of ceremonies, M.C., emcee; see also host 1.

hostess Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • shower: The baby shower hostess tells them their babies are crying.
  • play: Erica plays hostess to Ted Douglas at home: she tells him she thinks Joan revealed Jill's identity.
  • become: I was asked by the American Red Cross to become a hostess at the Red Cross facilities at Prestwick airport.

Preposition: in

attendance: Hostess in attendance to ensure the smooth running of the evening.

Adjective modifier

  • charming: And to thank Anne Bernard for being a truly great and charming hostess.
  • perfect: Very welcoming to us, she makes a perfect hostess.
  • beautiful: Our comedy host and his beautiful hostess will present this spoof Oscar ceremony.
  • gracious: The family gathered round while she Played gracious hostess, had a smile For everyone, and brought us tea.
  • former: At the time, the former air hostess was living in the smart surroundings of Kensington, West London.

Modifies a noun

  • etiquette: Now the baby shower guests can be given gift ideas by the hostess according to proper baby shower hostess etiquette.
  • trolley: The old hostess trolley has also had a makeover.
  • tray: Color televisions, telephones and hostess trays are also provided in all rooms.
  • gift: The hostess gifts do not have to be very costly.
  • bar: If the entertaining is in a ' hostess bar ' women should not attend.
  • service: From the very beginning of your journey you will be afforded a continuous onboard full hostess service, carried out from our onboard kitchen.

Noun used with modifier

  • air: The air hostess he met on the flight became his wife.
  • society: The idea was a joint effort by Auden, Spender and Nancy Cunard, the society hostess.
  • dance: The little dance hostess embarrassedly sidled across the room and into the ladies room.
  • show: Camilla Wells ( Annette Andre ) Talk show hostess jailed for not paying parking fine.
  • ward: In addition, there are administration and clerical members of staff and ward hostesses.