What does hostess mean?
A hostess is, traditionally, a woman who welcomes and entertains guests, particularly in her home or at a social event. She may also refer to a woman who presents an event, introduces participants, or helps manage its proceedings. In British English and some other varieties, the word was long used for a female flight attendant, although “flight attendant” is now the usual gender-neutral term. A further sense describes a woman who socializes with or entertains customers in a nightclub; this usage can carry uncomfortable connotations because of the sexualized nature of the role. In most modern contexts, where a person’s gender is relevant, “hostess” is precise, but “host” is often preferable when it is not. The word comes from “host,” with the feminine suffix “-ess,” and reflects the older convention of specifying a woman’s role in welcoming or looking after others.
nounA woman who welcomes or receives guests, especially as the owner or hostess of a home, hotel, or event. The term can also refer historically to a female flight attendant and, in some contexts, to a woman who socializes with or entertains customers in a nightclub.
- A woman who welcomes and entertains guests, especially in her home or as the host of an event.
- A female presenter or organizer who introduces guests, performers, or participants at a public event.
- Historically, a female flight attendant, especially in British and Commonwealth usage; the term is now dated.
- A woman who works in a nightclub or similar venue, providing conversation, company, or entertainment to customers.
"The hostess greeted the guests with a warm smile and offered them refreshments."
"The hostess introduced the speakers and kept the evening on schedule."
"As a flight attendant, she had spent years travelling between London and New York."
The regular plural is “hostesses,” with “-es” added to the final consonant sound.
"The hostesses arranged the tables before the guests arrived."
Hostess is more than a gender-specific version of host: in its oldest sense, it described the woman of the house—the person whose home was open to visitors.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hostess come from?
The word “hostess” was formed in the Middle English period by adding the feminine suffix “-ess” to “host,” a word inherited from Latin “hospes,” meaning “guest” or “host.” The same Latin root also underlies words such as “hostile,” “hospital,” and “hotel.” The original sense was a woman who received visitors, particularly in her own home; the later use for a female flight attendant developed in the early 20th century.
How hostess is actually used
The traditional sense of a woman who receives guests remains common, but “host” is now preferred when the gender is irrelevant. “Air hostess” is dated, especially in British usage, and “flight attendant” is the standard neutral term. The nightclub sense can carry connotations of commercial sexualized entertainment and may be viewed as dated or objectifying, depending on context.
Easily confused with hostess
A hostess is a female host, while a host can be a man or a woman and is the more usual gender-neutral term in contemporary English.
A stewardess is a female flight attendant, whereas a hostess more commonly refers to a woman who receives guests or presents an event; flight attendants are now usually called flight attendants regardless of gender.