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Host Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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host

[hษ™สŠst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

event organization

A person who receives or entertains other people as guests.

Synonyms

MC, emcee, master of ceremonies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
host

Typically used for someone who welcomes and entertains guests at a gathering or event. It can be both formal and informal settings.

  • She was an excellent host at the dinner party.
  • The TV show host introduced the guests with great enthusiasm.
emcee

Commonly used in the context of introducing performers, speakers, or events. Often associated with live performances or shows. Synonymous with 'MC', but used more in written or formal text.

  • The emcee kept the audience entertained between the performances.
  • As the emcee, he made sure the event stayed on schedule.
master of ceremonies

A formal term for someone who presides over a ceremony or event. Often used for high-profile or formal events such as weddings, award shows, or large community gatherings.

  • The master of ceremonies announced the winners of the awards.
  • During the gala, the master of ceremonies gracefully guided the proceedings.
MC

An abbreviation of 'master of ceremonies'. Frequently used in informal settings or in connection with music events, particularly in hip-hop culture.

  • The MC hyped up the crowd before the main act took the stage.
  • As the MC, she introduced each speaker with a touch of humor.

Examples of usage

  • The host welcomed the guests to the party.
  • She was the host of the charity event.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A computer or other device on a network that manages network resources.

Synonyms

mainframe, server.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
host

Used in a technical context to refer to a computer or server that provides services or resources to other computers.

  • Make sure the web host is reliable before launching your site.
  • The database host is experiencing connection issues.
server

In a technical context, it refers to a computer or system that provides services, data, or resources to other computers, typically over a network.

  • Our web server went down last night due to high traffic.
  • He is configuring the email server to handle more users.
mainframe

Refers to a large, powerful computer, typically used by large organizations for bulk data processing.

  • Banks still rely on mainframe computers for secure and massive data transactions.
  • The mainframe can handle thousands of transactions per second.

Examples of usage

  • The website is hosted on a server in a data center.
  • The host computer controls the flow of data.
Context #3 | Verb

event organization

To organize and present a show, party, or other social event.

Synonyms

emcee, preside over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
host

Used to describe a person who invites guests to an event or takes care of guests during an event.

  • She will host the annual dinner party at her house
  • The hotel staff were excellent hosts
emcee

Used to describe a person who is responsible for introducing performers or speakers at an event, such as a concert, wedding, or other forms of entertainment.

  • The emcee kept the audience entertained between the performances
  • The wedding reception had a humorous emcee who told great jokes
preside over

Used to describe a person who leads or oversees a formal meeting, ceremony, or event, often in an official capacity.

  • The CEO will preside over the board meeting tomorrow
  • The judge presided over the court case with utmost fairness

Examples of usage

  • She will host the awards ceremony next week.
  • We are hosting a barbecue at our house.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, a host is an organism that receives another organism, like when a virus infects a cell.
  • Certain species rely on hosts for survival, like parasites that live off their host's nutrients.
  • The relationship between hosts and parasites can influence the health of ecosystems.

Pop Culture

  • Reality shows often feature hosts who guide contestants and entertain viewers, making them relatable figures.
  • In gaming, a 'host' is a player who runs a game session for others, especially in online multiplayer formats.
  • Many iconic talk shows have famous hosts who connect with guests and audiences, such as Ellen DeGeneres or Jimmy Fallon.

Literature

  • Literary works often feature hosts in tales of hospitality, representing warmth and social connection.
  • Host characters in novels can symbolize authority, such as a king or a master of a house.
  • The concept of the host can be explored in works addressing themes of isolation versus connection.

Technology

  • In computing, a host machine refers to a computer that provides data or resources to other computers over a network.
  • Hosts in cybersecurity can refer to any device connected to a network that can be a target for threats.
  • Web hosting services provide space on the internet for individuals and businesses to create websites.

Origin of 'host'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'hostis,' which means 'stranger' or 'enemy,' evolving to represent one who entertains.
  • In medieval times, a host was often a person who provided shelter and food to travelers, especially in inns.
  • The use of 'host' to mean the person in charge of an event became common in the 1800s.

The word 'host' comes from the Old French word 'hoste', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'hospitem', meaning 'guest' or 'host'. Originally, the word referred to someone who receives guests or provides hospitality. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the concept of managing or controlling resources, such as in the context of technology. Today, 'host' is commonly used in both social and technological contexts.

See also: hostage, hostages, hostel, hostile, hosting.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,415, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.