English Explanatory Dictionary

hostess

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A female host.
  2. A female innkeeper.
  3. Stewardess: a woman steward on an airplane.
  4. A bar hostess or bargirl; a paid female companion offering conversation and in some cases sex.
  5. A female prostitute.
verb
  1. To host, as a woman.

Pronunciation

/ˈhoʊstɪs/ /ˈhəʊstəs/ en-us-hostess.ogg

Word forms

hostess hostesses hostessing hostessed

Etymology

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

Synonyms

hostress girl rented overnight

Derived words

air hostess airline hostess cohostess dance hostess flight hostess hostess bar hostess dress hostess gown hostess-ship hostess trolley hostess with the mostess hostess with the mostest hostessy hostie
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