host Definition

host¹
noun

1. Someone who entertains guests or strangers in his or her own home.
2. old use
An innkeeper or publican.
3. Someone who introduces performers and participants, chairs discussions and debates, etc on a TV or radio show.

Thesaurus: announcer, anchor, emcee, entertainer, master of ceremonies, MC, presenter, toastmaster.
4. A place acting as a venue for an event or organization, usually with the implication of its involvement with the event and its welcoming of the participants.
5. biol.
A plant or animal on which a parasite lives and feeds, whether causing harm or not, for all or part of its life.
6. medicine.
The recipient of a tissue graft or organ transplant.

verb

hosted, hosting
1. To be the host of (an event, programme, show, etc).

Thesaurus: introduce, present, receive, treat, wine and dine.

Etymology: 13c: from French hoste, from Latin hospes guest.

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host²
noun

1. A very large number; a multitude.

Thesaurus: army, array, drove, horde, legion, multitude, myriad, pack, swarm, throng.
2. old use
An army.

Etymology: 13c: from French hoste, from Latin hostis enemy.

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host³
noun

1. RC Church.
The consecrated bread of the Eucharist, used in a Holy Communion service.
Form: the Host (often)

Etymology: 14c: from French oiste, from Latin hostia victim.