hostess
hostess Lexical Profile
hostess Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A woman who receives or entertains guests at her home or at a social event.
"We brought a bouquet of flowers to thank our hostess for the wonderful dinner party."
A woman employed to welcome and seat patrons at a restaurant or lounge, or to look after passengers on an aircraft, train, or ship.
"The restaurant hostess greeted us at the door and led us to a table by the window."
A woman who introduces and moderates a television or radio program.
"She served as the hostess of the popular morning talk show for over a decade."
• verb
To act as a hostess at a social event or work as a hostess in a restaurant or club.
"She hostessed at a busy downtown bistro while completing her university degree."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern usage, the gender-neutral term 'host' is increasingly preferred for both men and women in social and broadcasting contexts, while 'flight attendant' has largely replaced 'air hostess'.
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English: from Old French hostesse, feminine of hoste 'host', ultimately from Latin hospes 'host, guest'.