# host

/ˈhoʊst/ (US) · /hˈəʊst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/host
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. person welcoming guests

noun · CEFR B1

a person who receives or entertains guests at their home or at an event.

For teachers: a person who receives or entertains guests in a social, commercial, or official capacity.

- Our host made sure everyone had a drink and felt welcome at the party.
- The host greeted each dignitary at the entrance, ensuring that the seating arrangements strictly followed diplomatic protocol.

### 2. presenter of a show

noun · CEFR B1

a person who introduces a television or radio show and talks to the guests.

For teachers: a moderator or master of ceremonies for a performance, broadcast, or public event.

- The talk show host asked the actor about his new movie.
- The veteran host maintained a lighthearted tone throughout the awards ceremony, even when technical glitches delayed the final announcement.

### 3. a large number

noun · CEFR B2

a large number of people or things.

For teachers: a multitude or a great quantity of items or people.

- The new software comes with a host of useful features for designers.
- The new environmental regulations brought a host of challenges for small businesses operating in the manufacturing sector.

### 4. network computer

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a computer that is connected to a network or the internet and provides data to other computers.

For teachers: any computer or device connected to a network that provides services, data, or resources to other nodes.

- The website is down because there is a problem with the host server.
- The network administrator identified the compromised host and isolated it from the rest of the corporate intranet to prevent further data loss.

### 5. biological provider

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

an animal or plant that another creature, like a parasite, lives on or inside.

For teachers: a living cell or organism which harbours another organism or biological entity, typically a parasite or virus.

- Ticks need a host, such as a dog or a deer, to survive.
- The virus requires a compatible host cell to replicate its genetic material and spread throughout the organism.

### 6. religious bread

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the special bread used in a Christian church service.

For teachers: the consecrated bread or wafer used in the celebration of the Eucharist.

- The priest placed the host in the hands of the person praying.
- During the liturgy, the elevation of the host is a moment of profound significance for the congregation.

### 7. to organize an event

verb · CEFR B1

to organize an event and provide the space or food for it.

For teachers: to act as a host for an event, providing the necessary facilities or coordination.

- Which country will host the next Olympic Games?
- The university agreed to host the international conference, providing lecture halls and accommodation for over five hundred delegates.

### 8. to store data online

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

to provide the computer space where a website or service is kept.

For teachers: to provide the infrastructure or server space required to make software or content available to remote users.

- They pay a small monthly fee to host their blog on this platform.
- Many startups choose to host their applications in the cloud to ensure scalability as their user base grows.

## Examples

- Our host made everyone feel very welcome at the party.
- The talk show host interviewed several famous actors during the two-hour special broadcast.
- While the host is responsible for the comfort of their guests, the success of any social gathering ultimately depends on the chemistry of the group as a whole.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.