I. host 1 W3 /həʊst $ hoʊst/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Sense 1-3, 6: Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: hoste 'host, guest' , from Latin hospes , probably from hostis ; ⇨ ↑ hostile ]
[ Sense 4: Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin hostis ; ⇨ ↑ hostile ]
[ Sense 5: Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: hoiste , from Latin hostia 'sacrifice' ]
1 . AT A PARTY someone at a party, meal etc who has invited the guests and who provides the food, drink etc ⇨ hostess :
Our host greeted us at the door.
2 . ON TELEVISION/RADIO someone who introduces and talks to the guests on a television or radio programme SYN compere British English :
a game show host
3 . COUNTRY/CITY a country, city, or organization that provides the necessary space, equipment etc for a special event
host country/government/city etc
the host city for the next Olympic Games
play host (to something) (=provide the place, food etc for a special meeting or event)
The gallery is playing host to an exhibition of sculpture.
4 . a (whole) host of people/things a large number of people or things:
A host of show business celebrities have pledged their support.
5 . IN CHURCH the Host technical the bread that is used in the Christian ceremony of Communion
6 . ANIMAL/PLANT technical an animal or plant on which a smaller animal or plant is living as a ↑ parasite
II. host 2 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1 . to provide the place and everything that is needed for an organized event:
Which country is going to host the next World Cup?
2 . to introduce a radio or television programme:
Next week’s show will be hosted by Sarah Cox.