What does host mean?
The word host is used for a person, organization, place, or system that receives others or provides the setting for an activity. A host may organize a conference, welcome visitors, present a programme, or run the computer system on which an application or website operates. In international events, a host country or host city is the place selected to organize the event. In computing, the term also refers to a server that supplies services or resources to other computers. The word often implies responsibility rather than simply ownership: hosting an event means arranging and supporting it, while hosting a guest means receiving and looking after that person. Its vocabulary and everyday senses derive from the same Latin root associated with guests and hospitality, which connects the modern meaning with words such as hospitable, hospital, and hostile.
A person, organization, place, or system that receives guests, provides a venue, organizes an event, or supplies services to other users.
"The city was selected as host of the international tournament."
The sense of a computer or server providing resources is standard in computing. “Host” can also refer to an individual who presents or manages a programme.
To receive or look after guests, organize an event, present a programme, or provide the system on which an application or content operates.
"The broadcaster will host the interview after the evening news."
In computing, “host” means to provide a platform or server environment for software, a website, or digital content.
Serving as the host or designated location for an event, activity, organization, or system.
"The host country issued new rules for foreign visitors."
This use is mainly attributive, as in “host nation,” “host city,” and “host computer,” rather than a predicative adjective in ordinary speech.
The plural is used for multiple people or organizations that receive guests, organize events, present programmes, or provide networked services.
"The event was hosted by several local organizations."
From the same ancient root as hostile and hospital, a host began as someone who received a guest—and the word still carries the idea of being responsible for making others feel received.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does host come from?
The English word comes through Old French from Latin hostis, an ancient term for a guest or someone received by another. Latin also developed hospes, referring to a host, guest, or visitor, and hospitium, meaning a lodging or inn. English borrowed the host sense from the Latin hostis tradition, while related forms in French and other Romance languages helped establish the modern vocabulary. The root also connects with hostile, although the semantic development in that word eventually became adverse.
Related word forms
How host is actually used
The noun is standard in British and American English. In computing, “host” commonly refers to a server or networked computer; “host application” and “host site” are typical technical phrases. “Host nation” and “host country” are formal or institutional expressions, while “host computer” is common technical terminology.
Easily confused with host
A host receives or manages guests or an event, whereas a hostel is an inexpensive accommodation for travelers.
Host refers to a receiver, organizer, or provider, while ghost is an apparition or, informally, a person who has secretly withdrawn from an activity.