ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hostess

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈhoʊstəs// UK //hˈəʊstɛs// host·ess

n. a woman who welcomes and looks after guests at a party or in a restaurant. You use this word for someone who makes sure people are comfortable and have what they need.

n. a female person who receives or entertains guests in a social or professional capacity. Often refers specifically to a restaurant employee who greets customers and manages seating.


SIMPLE

The hostess showed us to our table near the window.

CONTEXTUAL

As the hostess of the evening, she spent most of her time introducing guests to one another.

COMPLEX

The lead hostess managed the reservation book with impressive efficiency, ensuring that even during the dinner rush, no party waited more than ten minutes for a table.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English hostesse, from Middle French hostesse, from Old French ostesce, made up of oste (“host”) + -esce (“feminine marker”).

Usage

While still common in the hospitality industry, the gender-neutral 'host' is increasingly used for all people in this role.

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