/ ˈhəʊstəs; -es; NAmE ˈhoʊstəs/ noun
1.
a woman who invites guests to a meal, a party, etc.; a woman who has people staying at her home :
Mary was always the perfect hostess.
2.
a woman who is employed to welcome and entertain men at a nightclub
3.
a woman who introduces and talks to guests on a television or radio show
SYN compère
4.
( NAmE ) a woman who welcomes the customers in a restaurant
—see also host
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French (h)ostesse , feminine of (h)oste , from Latin hospes , hospit- host, guest.